Ep.03/ Self-care & Stress managment
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The pandemic has turned many of our lives and businesses upside down. 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."
Philippians 4: 6-7
One theme seems to emerge as I speak to the F-Nation with Gabby Rosemond guest during this time. Fear and anxiety are at an all-time high—primarily due to the uncertainty around the COVID-19 virus.
Ep.03/
Self-Care & Stress Management
Not only are they worried about their health, but thoughts of how this crisis will impact their families, their friends, their businesses, and their careers can have at times left them feeling overwhelmed. These worries lead to anxious thoughts that can change 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 zoom happy hours. Both things have contributed to increased stress and lower productivity.
So how do we manage it all?
I'm a big believer in self-awareness and self-care. Start by identifying your stress behaviors — as I did above. From here, you can take the steps necessary to nurture your spirit, heart, and mind.
We must take care of ourselves. especially those of us who have the responsibility to care for others.
Self-care during this time may seem selfish to some, mainly because we forget that it is challenging to show up as our best self for our families and community if we do not first take care of our spirits. In caring for ourselves, we help others around us. I find this especially true in my favorite form of self-care, prayer.
During stressful times, I pray myself to peace to manifest my path to power. This has been true for me before and during the pandemic, and I suspect it will remain true after. So, are you feeling anxious? Overwhelmed? Fearful? Pause and be still. Breathe. Pray, and meditate on His word.
Some may find that self-care in physical activity works best for them. Physical activity can have tremendous mood-enhancing benefits when paired with a diet rich in mood-enhancing foods such as salmon, avocado, and chocolate — all of which are among my favorites.
Whatever works for you, do it. Prioritize time to rest your mind, encourage yourself, and lift your spirit.
If you find things are too stressful or overwhelming, seek help from a licensed mental health professional. When stress interferes with my daily activities several days in a row, I quickly book a virtual session with my therapist— whom I happened to find on theraphyforblackgirls.com.
Though we cannot connect physically, I am committed to being here for the F-Nation community. Be safe, be encouraged, and stay connected. We are in this together.