b'SELF CARE GUIDE| While one would be hard pressed to imagine a reality where theres a worst-case scenario thats different than contracting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), that is not to say that those who avoid the virus will be truly healthy when our new normal surfaces.FOCUSING ON COMMON NEGLECTS Also creating quagmires are the types ofstop caring about our appearance, to stop Generally speaking, sleep habits, commit- bad habits that can exacerbate the poten- exercising, to start eating unhealthy food, ment to exercise, and, as she describes it,tial for depression during this time, givenand to think negative thoughts.our relationship with ourselves are three ofthat our options for activities are so limited.Focusing on self-worth and accountabil-the most neglected aspects of our personalExcessive screen time and paying too muchity will remain important for overall health. healthcare, according to Houtaneh Houtan,attention to news of the pandemic are inher- Maintaining that you are worthy of looking NMD, a licensed naturopathic physicianently tough to avoid currently, but are none- and feeling good, even during a time when who specializes in preventative medicine,theless triggers, Reguin-Hartman said. Itsyou cant leave your home, is the foundation endocrinology, gastroenterology, and car- difficult to moderate easy bad habits, butof self-care, Houtan suggests.Self-care diovascular health.we want to be careful that bad habits dontinherently is the act of taking care of your If you have a negative relationship withhave lifelong effects, she continued. It isbody, mind, and spirit.yourself, those negative thoughts ultimatelyimportant to set boundaries to the amount trickle their way into your cells through theof negative or stressful information you areADAPTING TO STAY-AT-HOMEnervous system, she said. Along with yourconsuming. Dealing with the current depths of stay-emotions and mental health, your brain isNegative energy may not always be fromat-home practice tends to take one of two also the master of your physiology.the external, Houtan warns. Negative self- forms, according to Reguin-Hartman. Similarly, depression represents whattalk is a particularly subtle bad habit thatIndividuals who do best with a routine may be the earliest and most significantlycan ultimately seem normal to us if we areshould create as much routine and structure long-term detriments to the current circum- constantly self-criticizing or blaming, sheto their day as possible while those who feel stances, said Kristi Reguin-Hartman, MSN,said. Add to this the current climate of tur- that routine is repressive should mix it up, APRN, ACNS-BC, national director of themoil, and our brains can become desensi- she said. Have dinner for breakfast, change Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses.tized to the bad news that is repeatedlyyour seating placement in the house, have Major life changes, trauma, or stress areplaying in our minds.lunch in the car in a scenic place, or work risk factors for depression and many peopleA health habit is to note the poweralternative hours if you have the flexibility are experiencing at least one of these duringto change these unhealthy perspec- to do so.this time, she said.tives, Houtan said. Whether its medita- As inherent social creatures, human Typical signs of depression include dif- tion, prayer, reading, or anything else thatbeings need to figure out the best way to ficulty getting out of bed (for reasons thatencourages learning and self-awareness, itsmaintain social circles, even during a quar-go beyond the common COVID-19 symp- up to each individual to find what works.antine. Zoom and other online applica-toms widely reported), lack of interest inThis helps reframe negativity and calm fears,tions can facilitate personal contact, for activities, lack of energy, difficulty sleeping,another step toward holistic well-being. instance. Webinars and other outlets are changes in eating patterns, and increasedQuarantine in and of itself is the perfectalso available as an escape when times call alcohol consumption. Of course, some ofstorm for negative vibes, Houtan says. Wefor it as well.these symptoms can be tough to measureare extremely limited in where we can go. objectively during this time, which makesWe cannot see loved ones and friends theENGAGING IN EXERCISE, EATING RIGHTthe matter that much more precarious.way we used to. This makes it very easy toOnes outlook on exercise during the pan-6 SELF CARE GUIDE|2020| www.elitecme.com'