5 Tips for Practicing Self-Care and Adapting to the New Normal

Whether you consider yourself an outgoing person or someone who’d rather recharge in the quiet of your room, we could all benefit from some self care while we shelter in place. Here today with suggestions for self care for both introverts and extroverts is Wrimo  A. N. Broadrick:

In a novel time where many people around the globe must keep physical social interactions to a minimum (or not at all) for mutual health and safety, I ponder a grand question: how can we as a society adapt and overcome? Existing research and general observations tell a story about the world’s current circumstances may affect people differently. And by extension, how the “stay home” movement impacts writing.

The environmental effects on an individual depends on many factors including personality traits and the situational context. Introverts and extroverts experience the world differently. In the global quarantine resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, introverts may be happy to stay at home in their own domain and bask in their own thoughts (at least, in my experience). Extroverts, in contrast, may have a more difficult time adjusting to a life of quarantine due to the lack of external social stimulation.

In relation to work (or in this case, writing) having the perception of environmental control can contribute to the ease of adaptation, according to D. H. Schunk (2016), the author of Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective (7th ed.). Schunk explains how evidence supports “that when people think they have control over their environment, they tolerate aversive stimuli better and perform at a higher level”. In a normal, non-quarantined world, introverts usually assimilate to an extroverted society, especially in the United States. 

For example, I am an introvert. I can sit in a busy cafe or crowded outdoor space on my lunch break with my earbuds in, and my pen, paper, and my coffee in hand for company. I can tune out my chatty peers and the constant movement in the background. I have the perception of control over my personal space. Thus, I can adjust enough to comfortably write in what I consider a chaotic environment. I adapt. On the other hand, someone with a more extroverted personality may prefer the noise of the chatter while writing rather than the carefully selected background noise of a cello that I prefer. 

Society’s reversal on what is considered acceptable socialization (for good reasons!) may put extroverts in a situation that requires adaptation. While the enforcement of social distancing is out of our hands, let’s take a minute to consider what is within our control:

Internal thoughts – Regardless of your personality type, you can take control of your inner dialogue, especially when you go down a metaphorical rabbit hole.Reactions to your thoughts – Let’s say you do go down a rabbit hole and find yourself in a not-so-happy place. Take a moment to self-check and redirect! Are you thinking about something that is not serving you or preventing you from achieving your goals? Recognize that yes, sometimes you can be your biggest critic. However, you do not have to be. Have patience with yourself. You may be physically alone, but you are not alone in this!Practice positive self-talk – This is important! You are in control of your inner voice. Be kind to yourself.Practice self-care – Have you heard the flight attendant speech about why it is important to put your mask on before your children or spouse? Well, you cannot care for them if you are physically (or mentally) unable to do so! If you are not well, you cannot adequately care for yourself much less others. Slow down and take care of your body and your mind. This could be practicing yoga in the living room while you have your family and friends on video chat. Or, this could be weekly phone conversations with a counselor. Self-care is vital to your overall wellbeing!Immediate personal space – When have taken care of your basic needs and are able to adapt to your situation, you now have control of your environment and yourself. You are freed to let your creativity flow through the keyboard onto your screen or from the ink of your pen onto the lines of your journal.

While our world’s situation may not be ideal for everyone, practicing self-care no matter where you are can help you establish and maintain personal control. Be patient with yourself. 

References:
Schunk, D. H. (2016). Learning theories: An educational perspective (7th
ed.). P. 381. Boston, MA: Pearson.

A. N. (Oberlander) Broadrick has a passion for education, philanthropy, writing, and data. Throughout her career, she commits to ethically utilize data to tell stories to make a positive impact in her community and beyond. She has a M.S. in educational psychology and research and a B.S. in communication arts. She is an avid practitioner of yoga with her family and has a deep appreciation for coffee, poetry and score soundtracks.

LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/ashleynbroadrick