In today’s VETgirl blog, I wanted to check in. How are you holding up from the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic? For me, I was pretty panicked 3 weeks ago and had quite a bit of insomnia and anxiety from it. Since sheltering at home with my husband and toddler, I’ve moved to acceptance and peace… despite the difficulty of trying to balance being a now-full-time-stay-at-home-mom, part-time veterinary specialist and small business owner.

Having battled poor mental health and suicide ideation in during my ECC residency, I wanted to talk about the importance of self-care during the stress of COVID-19. Here, a few life hacks that have helped me survive.

1. Make sure you have good psychological care during these stressful times. You can find them HERE in a previous VETgirl blog. But consider using Zoom to talk to a counselor or therapist. TalkSpace and BetterHelp are 2 that are popular right now.

2. Learn to meditate. Our Chief Happiness Officer, Jeannine Moga, LSW, helped us with this on a recent Facebook LIVE event. Even 5-10 minutes a day may help calm your mind. If not, read for more tips HERE.

3. Exercise. Peleton released their app for free for 90 days. It’s worth downloading, even for a quick high-intensity workout, their falling asleep meditation, or more. No, you don’t have to own any Peloton equipment either!

4. More screen-time for the kids! Well, not really. But if you find yourself at wits end, don’t stress too much. You won’t damage their brain with extra screen time during this shelter-at-home. More parenting ideas for what to do HERE.

5. Read more for fun. What better time to hole up and cuddle with your dogs and cats and do nothing. Being stuck at home has never lead to more reading (well, and Netflix). Stimulate your brain with some of VETgirl’s great fiction and non-fiction books HERE.

6. Have a spa day at home. Soak in a hot tub and relax. This is my favorite body scrub and my new favorite facial mask (#ad) (Plus it comes in travel-friendly packs and a brush!). This is bliss for me after I put the kid to bed.

7. Instead of rotting your brain in front of the TV watching Netflix, consider a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle or board game instead. Because Wine-Opoly can’t be wrong: Wine-Opoly Monopoly

This is one of my favorite places in the world: Cinque Terre in Northern Italy. You’re not going there anytime soon, but can enjoy the puzzle version here:

8. Get all your online veterinary CE now while you’re stuck at home. Because you have time now and don’t have to stress about it later. And that’s why we created VETgirl, so you can get clinically relevant, practical CE from home in your PJ’s while drinking your favorite evening beverage. Some states have even extended or modified their CE requirements. You can read about it HERE.

9. Marie Kondo the s*** out of your house right now. You’ve heard me talk about the book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” before, but the philosophy is the more cluttered your physical space, the more cluttered your mental space. Plus you have time to do it now.

10. Get your finances in order. Garret and I are of the same financial philosophy. Minimize credit card debt. Spend less than you make. Save 10-20% of your income. Max out your retirement. Pay off your highest interest rate now, and your lower interest rate later. Re-evaluate your REPAYE, PAYE or whatever program you’re using. Take the time to listen to some free great financial podcasts like Dave Ramsey, The White Coat Investor, Suzy Orman and more!

We are going through a very, very strange time now. What no other generation will experience (hopefully) for a long, long time. Journal about it. Reflect on it. Don’t stress about it. But remember that how we handle this will be noticed by future generations and our children. Let’s survive and succeed together.

Much love to you all and please stay safe.

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