All of us are experiencing a wide range of emotions during the COVID-19 Pandemic, but the most common one is fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of getting the virus, fear of losing a loved one. So how can we keep ourselves emotionally healthy?

Start by developing an attitude of HOPE. ​

HOPE is not just about a fleeting moment or temporary feeling that things will get better. It's about a lifestyle. A lifestyle you develop that's a reflection of everything you do and everything you are. Using HOPE as a platform to help motivate you to think positively and be proactive helps you make the most of every situation, even those not-so- good ones.

When you learn to manage your thoughts, nothing gets the best of you as you will respond in a positive way because you've learned to take action to improve your situation. HOPE is something we develop as we face adversity and learn from our struggles; it's not something we are born with.

As we shift how we think about life, we develop the strength to overcome our biggest fears and toughest challenges. Focus on solutions and what you can control and what you can do to move forward . Be proactive by turning your focus to what you can contribute and help those around you. When you bring hope into the lives of others, it inspires hope within you.

HOPE reassures us that the expectations of our future are greater than the fear of our present.

These lifestyle changes are especially important during this time of uncertainty.

It was my birthday this week. Usually, I have a couple of gatherings to celebrate; dinner with my mom, outing with my sisters and maybe a breakfast or happy hour with some friends. But this year is different ... it's different for all of us who are celebrating in isolation, let alone when grieving. 

In honor of all our birthdays, I came up with some self care tips on how to celebrate your special day. These self-care tips will help you stay emotionally and physically healthy and better able to ride through the highs and lows we're all experiencing during this pandemic.

Learn to enjoy those post-self-care feelings of satisfaction, gratitude, completion, and pride. Being at your best is especially important on your special day; your birthday or anniversary. Make it happen. Your deserve it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

1.  Dress up.  Looking your best makes you feel good about yourself. It boosts your confidence, improves your attitude, energy, and you'll be more personable to those around you.

2.  Put on make-up, shave.  Your beautiful reflection in the mirror will act as an instant pick-me-up. Putting forth your A-game is a great reminder that you've still got it..

3.  Light candles.   No need to wait until dark. Light scented candles to create the mood you want. Use the power of aromatherapy to send powerful signals to your brain. For romance, try orange, rose, and patchouli. For relaxation, lavender, jasmine, vanilla and chamomile.

4.  Get out in nature.  A natural environment helps you center your mind, decreases stress hormones,  improves blood pressure and the harmless bacteria found in soil boosts your serotonin levels.

5.  Play your favorite songs. Music releases dopamine which results in increased pleasure. We don't feel threat or danger when listening to music so it's a much needed break from our current reality.

6.  Dance around the house.  Dancing releases endorphins in your brain and reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. As you move, your muscles relax to the music and that helps release built up tension. Dance alone or with your partner or kids.

7.  Prepare your favorite meal. The act of cooking is meditative and leads to improved diet and higher levels of serotonin. It requires you to be engaged and present and is a perfect activity to enjoy alone or with your partner.

8.  Cuddle. When you cuddle with someone you care about whether it's your dog, cat, spouse, child; your body releases oxytocin, a feel good chemical that calms you, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and lowers cortisol levels.

What happens when the tools we use every day to combat depression and anxiety are literally spreading a global pandemic? Throughout the country, more and more states are mandating “social distancing” tactics, requiring residents to stay home from school, work, social and religious gatherings and closing movie theaters, restaurants and gyms. The result? We’re all left with time on our hands – alone time, that is. Add to that the ever-spreading anxiety brought by sensationalized media, panicked disaster preppers and the creeping fear of the unknown and you have the ultimate recipe for depression.
Whether you’re living in a state with a stay-at-home order or you’re just doing your part to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, all those long days of hunkering down can certainly take their toll on your mental wellbeing. If you suffer from depression or anxiety, or you’re just feeling stir-crazy and fearful about the coming weeks, take these proactive steps to protect and improve your mental and emotional health.