While uncertain as today’s society seems, from global events to personal life, it is easy to become fearful. As ostomates we know quite a bit about this because living with an ostomy brings about its own set of fears. However, as ostomates and persons living with diseases or medical issues we are resilient and adaptable.
We live in a very fast-paced, technologically advanced society where we are given information on current events in real-time. While this can be good in some cases, but it can also cause our heads to spin with new information being thrown at us almost hourly. We weren’t quite built to handle the “information overload.” Even as the adaptable beings that we are, it can become a lot. Furthermore, the information overload comes at us in so many different ways, from Facebook to YouTube; or television to the radio. With society having so many ways of sending out information we now have everyTom, Dick and Harry giving us news, opinions and even conspiracies in some cases.
Now, more than ever, we need to take care of ourselves. Now, more than ever, we need to show each other patience, understanding and compassion even though we are not going to agree on issues such as politics, government, war and religion. Now, more than ever, it is important to take some time to look away from the current events that are causing you fear. I am not saying live under a rock; I am saying take care of yourself.
Here are 5 ways to practice self-care during these times:
1. Establish a Routine: Create a daily schedule that includes time for work, relaxation, and self-care to bring structure and stability to your day.
2. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness activities like meditation or deep breathing exercises to help manage stress and anxiety.
3. Stay Connected: Maintain social connections with friends and family through calls or virtual meetups to combat feelings of isolation.
4. Limit News Intake: Set boundaries on how much news you consume to reduce stress and focus on reliable sources.
5. Engage in Physical Activity: Incorporate regular exercise into your routine to boost your mood and improve overall health.