As things spiral into a new realm with covid-19, we are reminded even more of our responsibility to care for ourselves and the people around us.
In Philadelphia, we have a mandate to stay home to help reduce the spread of a virus. I’ve heard of people developing symptoms and being gone in such a short time. It’s too fast. Every story I hear reminds me of our fragility as humans.
We depend on each other to survive. I am so thankful for the healthcare team, the grocery store clerk, the truck drivers. These essentials I took for granted; I’m reminded now is a privilege.
I am being provided for in big and small ways.
Once you notice this, I think it’s easier to do our part – not out of reluctance, but out of gratefulness. The spirit of gratefulness is what can turn anxiety and paralysis into helpful action. It’s not dissimilar from the paralysis that can happen when you’re told you have diabetes. We’ve been coaching people into actionable steps our entire careers. We should be good at it.
How can I take actionable steps for my health when I’m being quarantined at home?
Here are 10 tips that have helped me during my quarantine:
- There is more than one type of health. What can you do for your physical health, mental health, and spiritual health? We should strive to be strong in all three.
- No one is exempt from the end. We can’t know when or how we might die – same as when we have a chronic illness. Certain things are out of our control. However, we can control the risk we subject ourselves to. This is where I challenge people to focus.
- Sunshine and fresh air is good for you. Take advantage of this while you can and keep safe social distancing.
- Don’t get sucked into the TV and internet all day. It can trap you. What is distracting is not always best for your soul.
- Humans are made to be creative, playful, and interactive. Find ways to provide for those needs. I have tried playing music, playing cards and games, reading books, drawing exercises, learning new skills online, stretching videos, sewing projects. Think of things we used to do 50-100 years ago.
- Challenge yourself to cultivate group awareness. Who could you reach out to virtually today that might need that special touch?
- Do your part to stay healthy. You create your home environment. Make sure you buy food to support a healthy lifestyle instead of food intended for escape from your feelings and anxiety. There are professionals you can call rather than calling on chocolate and wine – although I know these work in a pinch.
- Give yourself a physical challenge – you need this more than you realize. There are so many resources popping up in the community and on YouTube. Take advantage of those opportunities.
- Put yourself on a schedule. This includes a bedtime and mealtimes.
- Find a purpose beyond just being bored and stressed at home. What could you dedicate your time towards right now that you didn’t have time for before? Maybe it’s a project, a relationship, an idea for creating something new, an old hobby you’ve let go…
I hope these things help as we move forward with telecommunications to help our patients. I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue working from home.
I’ve had my first web and telephone visits with patients, and I have to say – I love it. It’s always nice connecting with people and helping them remember how much we have to be thankful for.
What are helpful tips for dealing with covid-19 in your practice? Any advice for how to help patients manage BG during symptoms? How can we all keep from going stir crazy?
Sarah Burbee, RD, LDN, CDE, CPT