r/stepparents • u/VirginiaStepMonster StepMonster Supreme • Mar 22 '20
Megathread COVID-19 Megathread: Self Care Discussion
As more communities begin to implement shelter in place rules, we thought it would be a good idea to talk about self care during the midst of this pandemic.
Some of us are working from home, some of us have been temporarily laid off. Many of us now have our kids (bio and step alike) home full time, or most of the time.
It's normal to feel stressed and anxious right now. You may be afraid, anxious, feeling frazzled, and ready to pop. You are not alone! And you are not abnormal!
There are a couple of things you can do to help ease the stress and tension. Take some time out daily to practice self care, and to tune out from the noise of everything else around you.
Unwind: Do you have a hobby that helps relax you? Take some time out of your day and pursue it, whether it be reading, writing, doing a puzzle. Whatever it is, make it a point to spend at least 30 minutes a day unwinding.
Exercise: Standing up and walking around for ten minutes every two hours alleviates the aches and pains associated with sitting for long periods of time. A walk around the neighborhood (maintaining proper social distancing and other precautionary measures) will also brighten your day. Maybe even take some time to look into free online videos for cardio or yoga, whatever strikes your fancy.
Eat Right: It's really easy to dive into all of the junk food and snacks sitting in the cupboard right now. Boredom brings with it unhealthy eating patterns. Limit the snacks and focus on fresh foods (if they are available!) and foods that promote and boost your immune system. This goes for adults and kids alike. Although they may pester you nonstop for another bag of Cheez-Its, encourage them to make better options if they are available.
Keep up with Grooming: This seems to be a no-brainer, right? But I know that I'm certainly prone to easing into my work from home day without a shower and thinking I'll get one at lunch. Start the day with a shower. Whatever normal routine you have for going to work, stick with it. For me it's a shower, blow dry, and moisturizer. Sometimes mascara. Full make up is rare for me, but if I know I'll be video conferencing with a client, make up goes on just as it would if I knew clients were going to be onsite.
Turn Off the News: Take a break from the 24 hour news cycle. Catch up on old shows, binge watch a new show. Or, just turn it off all together and listen to music. The constant bombardment of the 24 hour news cycle wreaks havoc on all of our psyches. It's okay to tune out for a bit.
What tips and tricks do you have to share? What are you doing to take care of yourself right now? Share it with us!
We encourage you to check out r/AskDocs if you need help from a medical professional.
This is a reminder to wash your hands frequently, practice social distancing, and stay away from gatherings of over 250 people if possible. Remember: the elderly and those with underlying conditions such as Diabetes, Heart Disease, Cancer, and other conditions are at highest risk. If you suspect you are showing symptoms such as a fever and dry cough, call your doctor before going to his or her office.
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u/lfthnd Stay-at-Home Everything Mar 29 '20
One of the biggest things that has kept me from losing my mind is just going in the bedroom occasionally alone and just reading or cross stitching or watching trashy TV on my laptop.
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u/VirginiaStepMonster StepMonster Supreme Mar 29 '20
I'm still working, but picking up the cross stitch project that I have not finished (for years, literally years I've been poking at this during the holidays) is a really good idea!
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u/LookBeforeYouStep Apr 04 '20
So. I had a corona virus related incident at work (which I only stared 3 days ago, and I feel it all went south already) and I am so scare I could have contracted the disease that I decided I couldn't possibly visit my SO's home any more for the time being. I also have to evaluate and monitor the situation at work very closely and make daily risk assessments, because there are about 30 people working in a ver, constricted space (laboratory/office). My colleagues only started wearing their face masks after I had a major crying fit at work on Thursday (yay for starting with something like that there... they all think I am a hysterical weirdo, I'm sure). I miss my SO and the SKs lots and lots... but...
God almighty... a weekend (and possibly more!) just to myself, without feeling guilty and the SKs possibly feeling rejected. I had a really good morning with busying myself with a couple of chores, packing up easter presents and writing small notes my SO and SKs and sending them off per mail. After groceries and other stuff on my list, I had a terrific breakfast, yummy coffee, did 2 Granny Squares for our family crocheted blanket (haven't been able to do any since I started the new work, it was all too much stress and anxiety, I didn't sleep the whole Thu/Fri night), ate a scrumptious piece of persipan cake I got earlier, took care of my irritated skin on my hands (it was a tough day in the lab with long hours of glove wearing) with the new awesome creams I got earlier, watched the newest episodes of Grey's Anatomy and Kardashians (yeah, go ahead with downvoting!! haha, kidding), just went to lay in bed again with TV, since I feel soooo tired and spent, switched on my hearing blanket (it's still super cold outside and I got a freezing feeling stuck in my bones) and am now slowly drowsing awaaaayyy...
Not saying I enjoy being afraid of me having contracted the corona virus, but f*** it, I am so enjoying myself and this freeeee tiiiime....
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u/1iphoneplease Mar 23 '20
This is cool but it assumes that we've got access to fresh food and areas away from the kids which seems a bit... Unrealistic.