Self-care has been an ongoing topic in many countries for generations, and if you haven’t been a part of the conversation, now is the time to indulge. Finding the correct balance is an individual task that you don’t have to do alone.  

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who is open about some of his struggles with depression, told Slice TV last year that an important step is to understand that “You’re not the first to go through it; you’re not going to be the last to go through it. And oftentimes—it happens—you just feel like you’re alone. You feel like it’s only you. You’re in your bubble. And  I wish I had someone at that time who could just pull me aside and [say], ‘Hey, it’s gonna be OK. It’ll be OK.” 

Finding a healthy support team is a good approach to dealing with stressors and having a team readily available ahead of time is most effective, but some people prefer to be alone and away from things. Being alone allows a quiet connection with your inner being to reflect and sort through your thoughts. Taking some time alone and away from cell phones, social media, deadlines, and whatever else that pulls at your attention is scientifically proven to be good mentally and physically. Oprah Winfrey, an American talk show host, often takes time out for herself, and she stated recently in her O Magazine, “I always give myself Sundays as a spiritual base of renewal—a day when I do absolutely nothing. I sit in my jammies or take a walk and I allow myself time to BE—capital B-E—with myself.”  

Being angry and having a bad attitude can contribute to poor health. Developing healthy coping skills, such as hobbies, music, and long walks can greatly reduce stress and help focus on positive thinking. Taylor Swift, an American Popstar, told Elle Magazine last year some things she learned before turning 30, she mentioned that “Every day I try to remind myself of the good in the world, the love I’ve witnessed and the faith I have in humanity. We have to live bravely to truly feel alive, and that means not being ruled by our greatest fears.”   

COVID-19 has elevated our fear and our need for self-care, and as the world adapts to the virus, many communities have created innovative ways to care for each other, such as online meetings instead of face-to-face, easy access to testing and vaccine, healthy habits, and financial assistance. 

For more information about COVID-19 and great tips on self-care visit the Centers for Disease Control Prevention website at https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/care-for-yourself/index.html