I haven't forgotten you!
I miss working with you all, and I know a lot of us are facing challenges exacerbated by increased stress and pain.
Until we meet again, I'd like to share a few ways to access self care tools and make the most of at-home resources.
HEAT
Y’all know this is my favorite. I am a huge advocate for what heat therapy can do to help you relax and to mitigate pain. Your nervous system loves it. Use rice/flax pillows that can be warmed up in the microwave while you are working, a heating pad as you sit on the couch, or a long soak in a hot bath or shower at the end of the day. Here's a short video about making and using these at-home resources.
Your nervous system is probably overloaded right now. This can make everything feel more intense. Even if you don't have access to your usual methods of self-care, there are many resources and DIY routes to take.
Keep moving: you may be stuck in makeshift office chair all day, or less active than you are accustomed to, or feeling low and stuck on the couch. Moving your body will get some endorphins pumping and lubricate your stiff joints.
Take a walk! Use soup cans as weights! Play hide-and-go-seek with your cat! Sit on a yoga mat and make shapes with your body!
Find your calm: Take a moment. Take a breath, unclench your jaw, relax your shoulders. If you are feeling overwhelmed or experiencing an anxiety attack, try this grounding exercise that engages all of your senses:
Identify 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.
Reach out: If there are specific resources you are looking for, let me know, I may be able to connect you. If you just have any questions, I am only an email away.
Give yourself some grace: This isn't normal. You are doing great: whatever you are doing. If you are pushing forward, you are doing great. If you decide to pause or stop, that's okay too.
Lastly, here are are a few other resources that you might find helpful!
Greg Lehman’s Pain Science Workbook: This free workbook is designed to help folks work through persistent pain.
I’ll leave you with a link to one of my favorite meditations, that I think just about sums it all up. (CW: profanity)