Self-Care & Stress Management
Many of our lives and businesses have been turned upside down by the pandemic. Fear and anxiety are at an all-time high. On this bonus episode of F-Nation with Gabby Rosemond, I share my #ThursdayThoughts on self-care and stress management during the COVID-19 crisis. It's in moments like this that I lean on one of my favorite scriptures.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Even with prayer, outbreaks can be stressful. This stress is amplified during a global pandemic where physical and social distancing is the first line of defense. It can seem especially daunting for those of us who are balancing back to back zoom meetings, school work for the kids, and feeding families.
As I speak to the F-Nation with Gabby Rosemond guest during this time, one theme seems to emerge. Fear and anxiety are at an all-time high—mostly due to the uncertainty around the COVID-19 virus.
Not only are they worried about their health, but thoughts of how this crisis will impact their families, their friends, their businesses and careers can have at times left them feeling overwhelmed. These worries lead to anxious thoughts that can result in changes to our sleep and eating patterns — which, in turn, interfere with our stress level and productivity.
I've personally suffered from difficulty sleeping and the occasional overindulgence in my favorite wine. Both things have contributed to increased stress and lower productivity in my life.
Some may find that self-care in the form of physical activity works best for them. When paired with a diet rich in mood-enhancing foods such as salmon, avocado, and chocolate — all of which are among my favorites—physical activity can have tremendous mood-enhancing benefits.
Whatever works for you. Do it. Prioritize time to rest your mind, encourage yourself, and lift your spirit.
If you find that things are too stressful or overwhelming, seek help from a licensed mental health professional. When stress interferes withy my daily activities several days in a row, I quickly book a virtual session with my therapist— who I happened to find on theraphyforblackgirls.com. Though we cannot connect physically, I am committed to being here for you guys. If you need a positive thought or prayer, email me with your prayer request at info(at) f-nation (dot)com and I will add you to my prayer list. Be safe, be encouraged, and stay connected. We are in this together.