Self-Care

THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF CARE

THE PROBLEM:

As a society we are constantly flooded with negative information. For example, the media is overwrought with information regarding COVID-19, the coronavirus hitting us globally. While this concern is very serious, the syndrome of emotional contagion creates an environment of unproductive fear and panic. People’s fears, emotions and behaviors can be shared in many different ways. It is common to experience fear, panic and hypervigilant behavior as a result of negative information we receive from the media and from colleagues and friends. The only cure for this is diligent self-care.

Self-care is an under-recognized and undervalued practice in our society. We are taught to respond to every negative message emotionally. Right now this translates into panic. We become overwhelmed with obsessive thoughts and fears.

The reality is that by practicing self-care we are able to protect ourselves and those we love in a healthy, loving way. By acknowledging the reality of the negativity around us and by responding in self-compassionate, productive way, we can improve our health and longevity.

So how do we practice self-care?

• Get plenty of rest
• Stay hydrated
• Have an attitude of gratitude-every morning write down three things you are thankful for
• Take plenty of Vitamin C
• Do not stop exercising-keep your exercise routine up and stay healthy!
• Cherish people you love and spend time with them
• Eat healthy! Lots of fruits and vegetables and high protein diet.
• Have courage and be kind
• Go outside, take deep breaths and smell the flowers. Spring is here!
• Use meditation to help reset our brain body connection so we remain mindful
• Keep a journal and write down how you are feeling.

Be prepared, but don’t panic. We lose the ability to think rationally in the midst of panic. I am confident that these tools will help us all ride out the storm together, in the most healthy way possible, for each of us as individuals and for our society as a whole.

I am here to help you with this journey.

Dr. Henderson is board certified in Internal and Functional Medicine. In addition to incorporating these new techniques, she serves as a personal primary care physician.