I am not going to lie; I thrive on taking care of others and I do so over me.  The notion of prioritizing me over others is hard.  That is true of so many in our GEAR UP community.  You make your students, colleagues, and community a priority.

But, in this unique (and bizarre) period, we must pause to care for ourselves as well, if for no other reason, so that we can continue helping others.

So, what could self-care look like for us as we practice social distancing, cooped up in our homes?

1. Set a Routine – You may have read in multiple sources that setting a routine helps bring order in our new reality.  Whether it is to help yourself stay focused, inform your partner and/or children, or notify your colleagues about your hours, setting a schedule helps.  I am trying a new schedule this week…I will let you know on Friday how it’s working.
2. Move! – Some of you (like Stephanie Carnahan‍) have beautiful outdoor space.  You are so lucky!  Take advantage of it and enjoy the walks and fresh air.  For those of you who (like me) are confined to an apartment in the city, find a space to create a simple workout routine: I am using the emergency stairwell in our building.  I go up the 14 flights of stairs and use resistance bands for a bit of strength training.  I should also say that this is my “alone” time, since my husband is also working from home.
3. Create Your Happy Space – Whether it is enjoying the sunshine from your favorite window while sipping your coffee or setting up your workstation with your lavender scented diffuser, comfy pillows, and special colored pens, find a way to enjoy time in your favorite spot.  For me, that also includes playing music in the background.  My go-to is reggae!  
4. Intentionally Connect with Your Support System – As Brené Brown states, we cannot draw from history to figure out how to adjust as a country to “social distancing” in the era of Covid-19.  Because this is new for us all, and there is great discomfort in it, we need to inject a shot of adrenaline into our support system.  We all can use a little support and connecting with that dear friend could offer a mutually beneficial morale boost.  With so many ways in which we can connect, find the way that feels right.  For instance, my 81-year old father’s hearing isn’t great and he does not enjoy talking on the phone.  But he can text as fast as a 7^th grader with his new phone!  So, with him, I text.  
5. Take a Break from the News – This one is difficult for me because I am a news junkie!  Yet, these days, it may simply be too much.  Add it to your routine but instead of allowing every tweet to distract you, create a block of time in which you will review your favorite news outlets.  Experts do suggest that you avoid doing so at least 3-hours before bedtime.  Sounds like great advice, especially these days!

Remember, as Lauren stated in her blog last week, we seek to hear from you.  Take a moment to add what you doing to take care of you.