Staying sane in the midst of this insanity!!

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COVID-19, "social distancing," contradictory information, lots of information, uncertainty, "shelter in place," stay at home, politics, opinions, discussions, facts.

It really is a bit much!

I'll be the first to admit that this last week was trying to say the least. Even those of us who are "supposed" to be the models of mental health have our moments, but THIS week was a humdinger which included many "moments" for me and I'm certain for many of you out there. My own reaction to this ever-changing and surreal, new, and hopefully temporary situation is to question how to help others. I am acutely aware of the fact I can't do this if I'm frazzled, weary, overwhelmed, sleepless, and reactive. If I'm feeling this way now, how might I feel in a week, month, or six months, because certainly, the effects of a microscopic pandemic invader will take a long haul to settle down? Like a category 5 Hurricane, sometimes the effects of these catastrophic events are multigenerational and epic.

Stressed brains don't remember things. So I have a three rule limit. Three things to practice, repeat, feel, engage in, or three steps to take. Three things to say or do to take the next step forward or in times like these, just to prevent backslide.

Herein lies the problem. Stressed brains don't remember things. So, here are my three things. Please practice these every day. Please? They are well researched, practical, and will not take too much of your time. With these, I am considering short term and long term mental health needs. We just don't know for how long this epidemic will continue. Modify, edit, and add as you see fit. These are just ideas. Get creative and make your own rules, but please take specific action to protect your mental health every day.

1. Get 10 minutes of sunshine. Research shows it's just as effective as a prescription antidepressant. Get your serotonin and vitamin D pumping. https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/benefits-sunlight

2. Reach out to someone you care for every day. Phone, video chat, etc. Just reach out. preferably pick someone who is a positive and uplifting person. If you must call a "negative Nelly," focus on the satisfaction of giving someone else support. We need to stay connected for the long haul.

3. Make a fun list NOW. One common theme I've already heard over and over with the social distancing and stay at home recommendations that define our current lives: "I can get this done. I can get that done." Everyone is so eager to keep themselves occupied with "to do" list items. It makes sense right? We're at home and have some downtime. BUT please please please don't forget to ADD SOME POSITIVES. It's not just about being productive and fighting boredom, it's about adding joy. We have to positively counteract the surreal, sudden, and significant changes that have happened so rapidly. Make a list of "fun activities" and order supplies (if any) to do these NOW. When we are stressed, depressed, anxious, ill, sleep-deprived creativity tanks. Don't expect your weary brain to come up with positive creative and self-soothing activities one month into this ordeal. Do it now.

4. Exercise. Okay, I know I said three. I did not want to count exercise as one of the three because now is not the time to lecture about exercise or feel guilty about not exercising or pressure ourselves. Just know one thing: exercise is the antidote for depression. You don't have to be an exercise addict to get the benefits, just move around a little more. Stretch before eating. Put on some music and dance.