PRACTICAL HELP FOR TRYING TIMES
Loss of access to work, childcare, food, and even basic necessities like soap and toilet paper have many of us in an increased state of anxiety. There is so much uncertainty all at once.
These unprecedented times bring unprecedented opportunity— to band together, love and serve each other like never before.
From food banks and community resources, to tools for calming anxiety, I created this guide to give you some practical resources and tools to navigate these trying times. Please share any resources you have found helpful!
SOCIAL DISTANCING, NOT SOCIAL ISOLATION
Conversations will not be cancelled.
Relationships will not be cancelled.
Love will not be cancelled.
Songs will not be cancelled.
Reading will not be cancelled.
Self-care will not be cancelled.
Hope will not be cancelled.
May we lean into the good stuff that remains. ~Jamie Tworkowski
Social distancing does not have to mean social isolation. Check on friends and neighbors (especially the elderly). Find ways to continue to connect. Facetime, Zoom, Group Chat, Online Support Groups and Online Therapy sessions. Whatever it takes.
I personally LOVE the Marco Polo app for video chatting with friends! I use this with my accountability group.
GET INFORMED, NOT OVERWHELMED
Many of us are not only isolated, we are inundated. Our news and social media feeds are filled with information (both true and false). We can care for ourselves by doing the following:
Limit excessive continuous exposure to the media.
Set boundaries around your time
Follow trusted and official sources like: CDC.gov, PublicHealth.LACounty.gov, LAMayor.org/Coronavirus
Speaking of staying informed, did you know that in Los Angeles, according to Mayor Garcetti, ”no landlord shall evict a residential tenant in the City of Los Angeles during this local emergency period if the tenant is able to show an inability to pay rent due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic?” Learn more here. And Public Works will not shut off or stop services (Water, Power, Trash etc.) for customers who are delinquent or behind in service or permit payments until this order is lifted.
REDUCE AND MANAGE ANXIETY
It is difficult to function as our best selves when we are riddled with fear and anxiety. While it is important to acknowledge our emotional state, we can also take steps to ground ourselves and create an emotional landscape that is more conducive to peace and joy.
PRACTICES
Breathing (Inhale for 4 seconds, hold 4, exhale 4, repeat)
Meditation and Prayer
Journaling
Laughing
Singing
Puzzling, coloring, and reading
Create a gratitude list (Gratitude shifts our perspective and releases dopamine)
Exercise (releases dopamine and reduce stress)
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique
Sit comfortably
Breathe Deeply
Name 5 things you can see
4 things you can feel
3 things you can hear
2 things you can smell
1 thing you can taste
RESOURCES
Spiritual Grounding: I am LOVING the One Minute Pause App by John Eldredge. The Youversion Bible App has some great, free devotionals
PTSD Assessment, Support and Tools: PTSD COACH App
My favorite soothing music
Helpful Article: Staying Out of Trauma Brain During Coronavirus
FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL
So much is beyond our control right now. It is important to stay focused on what we can control.
Take measures to protect yourself
Hydrate, rest and nourish your body
Contact your work HR department regarding work policies
Evaluate and adjust your finances
Engage with people and activities that are life-giving
GET THE HELP YOU NEED
From food, housing and transportation to health and employment, there are community resources in place to help you! Check out what is available in Los Angeles.
If you are outside of LA County, you may try calling 211 or visiting http://www.211.org for resources near you.
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU
If you have worked in the commercial sex industry and/or have been a victim of trafficking and need some extra encouragement and support, you can sign up for a free care package and additional resources here.
There is so much that is beyond our control right now. This virus is wreaking havoc on our planet, but there are some things that it can’t take away from us unless we let it.
We can still choose love, kindness, peace, thoughtfulness and generosity, whatever that looks like in our context.
PS. Please feel free to share this with anyone you think may benefit.
SUPPORT SURVIVORS THROUGH OUR EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND
$10 Essential toiletries for one woman
$35 Hope-filled care package for one woman
$50 Babysitting funds for single mothers
$100 Assistance with groceries
$500 Emergency financial assistance for those whose jobs have been affected
In case you missed it: The Sex Industry and COVID-19
Looking for a hope-filled book to read? Check out my memoir, Scars and Stilettos.
*Shout out to Tracy Nielsen and Monique Calderon for helping gather this info!
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