Self-Care and the Pandemic in 2021

By: Matthew Funeral Home
Monday, January 18, 2021

After almost a full year of turmoil and loss from the COVID-19 pandemic, it can still be hard to fully accept this “new normal.” Many of us have felt severe loss throughout this time, and unfortunately, there may still be more to come. As the pandemic has affected all of us personally, it is important to practice self-care. Caring for oneself is essential for staying physically and mentally healthy. This article will explore some self-care practices you can do at home. 

In-Home Exercises

It can be easy to veg out on the couch instead of going to the gym in a normal year. However, exercising can help you feel better physically and mentally. Physical activity is important to mental health as exercising releases endorphins that make you feel happier. Light exercises such as simple yoga poses and leg lifts can be a good place to start. There are a number of workout videos that can be found online to get you started. You can even find online exercise classes, both live and recorded. Exercise can also boost your immune system.

Eating Healthy

During a pandemic, it can be easy to stress eat a pint of ice cream. Unfortunately, that is a short-term solution to your anxieties. Eating healthier can improve mood, energy, and overall health. Enriching your diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can go a long way to making you feel better. Eating better and losing excess weight can strengthen your immune system.

Online Socialization

While many of us are surely over Zoom and Skype hangouts, socialization can go a long way toward self-care. Humans are social animals. During times of isolation, it can be extremely beneficial to reach out to others, even if it’s through a screen. As pandemic restrictions loosen, it can still be a good idea to schedule online time with friends and family. It is important to socially distance ourselves and stay safe.

Spending Time Outdoors

Taking the time to go out can also be a part of self-care, even if you just walk around the block. Consider visiting a local park or doing a socially distant outdoor activity with friends. Vitamin D, from the sun, is an important nutrient for improving both health and mood. Be sure to wear a mask, and wash your hands when possible. 

Matthew Funeral Home does not provide medical or healthcare advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for medical advice.
For over 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Sensory Memory and Grief

Memories of lost loved ones can play a major part in our grief. If you see an old photo or an object that reminds you of a memory, you may be flooded with emotions. Sensory memories are those trigg...

Choosing the Right Funeral Home

When a loved one passes, or when pre-planning your funeral, it is important to choose a funeral home that you are comfortable with. Planning a funeral can seem daunting, especially when you are dea...

Should You Attend the Funeral of an Ex-Spouse?

When a loved one dies, it can seem obvious that you should attend the funeral. However, when it comes to your ex-spouse, it can get trickier. Divorces and separations can drastically affect the par...

Firefighter Funeral Services

When a firefighter passes away, there are often special practices associated with their funeral services. This is especially true if they died in the line of duty. Below, we will discuss the differ...

Survivor's Guilt & Coping with Grief

After a traumatic or sudden passing of a loved one, it is common for people to experience Survivor’s Guilt. Survivor’s Guilt is a type of grief that creates feelings of wrong-doing surrounding ...

Consoling Non-Religious Mourners

After the death of a loved one, it is common to say platitudes to the family like “they're in a better place” and “I’m praying for you.” But what if the family member of the loved one is non-religi...

Meditation and Working Through Grief

Meditation is a practice for fostering balance and serenity. More people turn to meditation as a way to find peace in a hectic work week, or to help them stay focused. Big tech companies like Googl...

Terminal Illnesses and Grief

When a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, it can be hard to process your grief and be there for them. Often, family and friends can be an important support network for the sick individ...

Remembering Mom On Mother's Day

As Mother’s Day draws closer, it can be hard to avoid all the greeting card stands and gift displays in stores. After losing your mother, the upcoming holiday can feel bittersweet. Below, we will d...

Phobias and Funerals

Fear can be a powerful driving force in life, but it can also play a big part in dealing with death. Everyone fears something, and fear can often stop us from experiencing new and unique things. Wh...