Self-care during coronavirus pandemic

My screen time went up by 27% since last week. Although I experience low-grade anxiety on a regular basis to begin with, this past week I felt that my stress level went up exponentially. I knew that checking the news frequently was creating more harm than good for me. I knew I had to change my this habit to stay as grounded as I can while continuing to stay informed.

Here's what I've been doing to help calm myself this week:

1. Practicing yoga at home every day
2. Upping my vitamin C intake (1,000-2,000 mg/day)
3. Reaching out to family and friends every day
4. Ordering grocery online (hello, Costco.com and no, I'm not stocking up)
5. Practicing social distancing by staying at home this weekend
6. Reading a chapter a day
7. Practicing mindful moments (paying attention to the sight, sound, and smell of whatever activity I'm doing)
8. Belly breathing (inhale/exhale slowly from the tummy)

The truth of the matter is it's okay to feel fear around coronavirus, and we have to try out best to continue living our lives as best as we can while taking precautions.

While many people have been working from home starting this week, it's not an option for me as a heath care provider. I work in a nursing home, caring for one of the most vulnerable populations - older patients with health complications. It really has been a privilege to do meaningful work every day. The average age of my patients is around 70+. The oldest is over 100! So, at this point, I am trying to avoid outside contact with as many people as I can. I'm taking the advice of social distancing to heart. While I could be asymptomatic, I could still be a carrier, and I surely don't want to accidentally spread whatever I might have to my patients.

It's been quite challenging, and I encourage you to do your best to take care of yourself, offer support to others, and be kind to one another.

We will get through these trying times together. One step at a time, together.

My question for you: how are you taking care of yourself right now? 
Please send me a reply, so I compile all the tips and send out a self-care tip sheet to others :)
 
Please stay healthy and hopeful. Let's use this time as an opportunity for more self-care, so that we can continue fully showing up for others.

Warm hearts,

Alisa