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Tag: Wellness
Staying Well in the Time of Social Distancing Part V
In this final installment of the Wellness Series, I wanted to focus on family and the community. Here in Illinois, Governor Pritzker issued a “Shelter in Place” order that will take effect on Saturday, March 21st. The Shelter in the Place order limits individuals to essentials (grocery shopping, pharmacy trips, outdoor activities, essential healthcare, and essential public services) while maintaining the six-foot distance between individuals. If this has already occurred where you live or it may occur in the future, it is imperative that we support each other.
Individuals who are at high risk of developing severe illness may be in need of assistance for the aforementioned tasks, as the social distancing may not be sufficient to prevent illness. Furthermore social distancing does not have to force isolation; utilizing applications or web-resources (FaceTime, Google Duo, Whatsapp, Skype, etc.) often to check in with friends and family could alleviate some isolation.
For families that live together, now may be a good time to do some activities together that may promote cohesion and familial check-ins. Below are some resources that may be fun for the family or spark some ideas:
- Real Simple Magazine: 14 Fun Things to Do on a Rainy Day
- My Kids Time: 50 Super Fun Rainy Day Activities for Kids of All Ages
- Mommy Poppins: Corona Virus Guide for Parents: 100s of Activities and Resources
Please also consult our earlier blogs (Part II, Part III, Part IV) to find more resources.
As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Chicago, I and the TriWellness team are here to support our community. We offer HIPPA-compliant Telehealth services to assist individuals in Illinois navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic at the safety of their homes.
To learn more about skills for staying well or to schedule an appointment with a clinician please visit our Contact Us page or call the office.
This article was written by Aarti S. Felder, MA, LCPC, to learn more about her you can find her bio here.
Staying Well in the Time of Social Distancing Part IV
The workers’ edition
Authorities suggest that we stay home and not go into work. However for some it may be a difficult task due to finances, job requirements, job restrictions, or another reason. If you are an individual who has to go into work please follow the CDC guidelines to keep yourself and your community safe. If you are an individual who cannot work from home, but are required to stay home for the sake of social distancing or quarantine, please check out Part II of our Wellness Series to promote and maintain wellness in mind, body, and soul.
If you are an individual who is working from home, you may be experiencing difficulty in continuing the same level of productivity as you would in the office. This may be a result of being in a completely different environment (being in a more relaxed environment) or perhaps there are several distractions.
Working at home Environment
As discussed in the Children’s Edition of the Wellness Series, keeping up the daily routine is key to maintaining children’s productivity. The same concept can apply to adults; continuing the weekday routine: from wake time, to breakfast, to work, etc. all the way to bedtime. While also maintaining a space to relax and take breaks (a sanctuary space).
Working at home with distractions
Some may have several distractions at home that hinders productivity. Some of these distractions can be easily eliminated (working at the table, limiting the amount of social media/ COVID-19 News you read to shortened, predetermined breaks, etc.) while others are very difficult to eliminate (KIDS!).
Working at home with children
If children are a distraction, consulting the Children’s Edition of the Wellness Series may assist in having the children engage in productive activities when you are working. It may also be helpful if a plan is initially established with specific due times and a fun reward once the assignment has been completed appropriately. However, try not to take away the reward if the assignment is not completed appropriately at the given time, but rather remind them of what they are supposed to be doing and provide some guidance. A little bit of flexibility whenever the risk is minimal, may reduce the likelihood in engaging in a power struggle.
As some children may also want to be sociable with their friends or their community, however they are supposed be “social distancing” utilizing applications and web-resources (i.e. FaceTime, Skype, Google Duo, etc.) may assist in eliminating some of the isolation, give you some time to focus, and may even be productive for your children!
Some parents have also developed groups to assist in encouraging productive activities in their areas of expertise or passion. This may stimulate the children, but also lesson your load. If you have some ideas that you would like to share with the community please post your ideas on our Facebook Page or Tweet us @Tri_Wellness #triWellness Series.
Please check our blog everyday, as we will be providing resources to promote wellness in the time of social distancing in this week-long Wellness Series.
To learn more about skills for staying well or to schedule an appointment with a clinician please visit our Contact Us page or call the office.
This article was written by Aarti S. Felder, MA, LCPC, to learn more about her you can find her bio here.
Staying Well in a Time of Social Distancing III
Children’s Edition
In the midst of the COVID-19 chaos, here in Illinois our schools have closed. Parents and families are forced to adjust to the sudden closures. As difficult as it can be for the parents, it can also feel just as frustrating, confusing, and anxiety provoking for the children.
Helping children to understand the Coronavirus (COVID-19) can alleviate some confusion and fears that may have arose.
Below is a comic describing Covid-19 from npr
Furthermore the sudden offset of events could provoke fear that feels life-threatening and can be traumatic. The National Child Stress Network (NCSN) states providing the child SAFETY, by ensuring that they feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings about the event and the space to reconnect.
Children also thrive with structure; however when quarantined at home, routine and structure can appear more lax. With the prospect of the social distancing and being quarantined in the middle of the school year for an undefined amount of time, children need to maintain their daily weekday routine. If the children don’t have an at-home education plan there are several resources that they may be able to utilize in the interim:
Being respectful of the children’s routine in regards to breaks and ensuring to preserve their sanctuary space that they utilize to wind down after school is a very important factor in their at-home structure and should be considered in the process.
Please check our blog everyday, as we will be providing resources to promote wellness in the time of social distancing in this week-long Wellness Series.
To learn more about skills for staying well or to schedule an appointment with a clinician please visit our Contact Us page or call the office.
This article was written by Aarti S. Felder, MA, LCPC, to learn more about her you can find her bio here.
Staying Well in the Time of Social Distancing Part II
At TriWellness we are passionate about the mind, body, and soul connection. Social distancing can impact our minds in that the media that we are consuming can be anxiety provoking and confusing. It can also impact our bodies in the lack of movement we may be engaging in due to self-quarantine. Our spirit can be affected by the constant bombardment of negative emotions and thoughts without having the ability to do something with these thoughts and emotions.
Mind
Anxiety can often be exacerbated by the fear and uncertainty of the future. My clients often find relief by grounding themselves in the present moment through utilizing the following senses:
- Sight
- Smell
- Hearing
- Touch
- Taste
For example, I find solace in having a nice cup of hot tea, feeling the warmth in may hands, smelling the leaves and spices in the steam, and looking out the window in my kitchen (tasting the tea, feeling the warmth of my tea cup, smelling the tea, and looking out the window).
The focus is in the present moment as that is what is in our control while utilizing activities that are calming or bring joy.
Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the ‘present‘.
Quote from Kung Fu Panda
Body
Some individuals may be unable to leave their homes and engage in activities outside. Practicing yoga can be beneficial in reducing stress as it promotes the unity between breath and movement creating a sense of tranquility and feeling centered. Having calm and deep breaths bring oxygen to the brain and encourages clear thinking.
A simple yoga routine to reduce anxiety and utilizes equipment that you can find around your house
Spirit
Finding peace within oneself can be difficult in a time like this. However, taking a moment to practice meditation or guided imagery can bring oneself inwards. I often recommend these practices to my own clients, who note calming their anxiety provoking thoughts. I have personally and professionally utilized these apps and found them to be particularly helpful:
Please check our blog everyday, as we will be providing resources to promote wellness in the time of social distancing in this week-long Wellness Series.
To learn more about skills for staying well or to schedule an appointment with a clinician please visit our Contact Us page or call the office.
This article was written by Aarti S. Felder, MA, LCPC, to learn more about her you can find her bio here.
Staying Well in the Time of Social Distancing
A Wellness series part I
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) the COVID-19 has been spreading in an exponential manner and has urged action amongst the communities in Illinois to reduce the communal spread by following the Center of Disease Control (CDC) recommendations to protect you and your community:
- Make sure your hands are clean by washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds or sanitizing your hands with hand sanitizer containing a minimum of 60% alcohol when soap and water is not readily available.
- Social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet between you and others. This is especially important to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in your community and to protect individuals who are at high risk.
- Stay home if you are feeling ill.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, then dispose of used tissues in the proper receptacle. Wash your hands afterwards using the aforementioned procedures.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces.
Social distancing can feel particularly difficult and can cause anxiety and stress, an article from the CDC describes some ways to manage stress here. As a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Chicago, I and the TriWellness team are here to support our community. We offer HIPPA-compliant Telehealth services to assist individuals in Illinois navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic at the safety of their homes.
Please check our blog everyday, as we will be providing resources to promote wellness in the time of social distancing in this week-long Wellness Series.
This post was written by Aarti S. Felder, MA, LCPC. To learn more about Aarti please visit Meet our Team page. To learn more about our services please visit Counseling Services page.