Right about now, the reality of the world we’re currently living in is starting to set in. Time for a check-in! First, find a spot to just sit and pay attention to what is going on in your body. Where do you feel the tension? Intentionally relax those muscles right now. Feel the pressure and the strain leave your body.

 

Next, think over the past week. How has your sleeping been? Is your sleep schedule messed up? Are you having bizarre dreams (many are right now!)? Are you waking up often? These can be signs that something is off – perhaps a lack of a routine right now. What are some things you can implement to get more structured?

 

Next, how has your eating been? Now, this is not the time to beat yourself up over comfort eating. These are hard times right now with a lot of uncertainty. But, if your eating is causing issues in other areas, it may be time to try to be a little more balanced.

 

Finally, how are you feeling? Do you find yourself isolating, not returning texts, not talking to others in the house? This can be a sign of depression. Is the anxiety still there? Do you find that you search the news often? Both of these can be helped by taking control of things you can control. Exercise, even 10 minutes a day, can help relieve both depression and anxiety. Choosing to focus on the positives in your life and limiting times on social media and the news can also help. What other choices can you make? Focus on those – nothing is too small to consider!

 

Steffani Wooley, MA, LPC-I

Jon