By Lisa Wellington | Lynnwood Times Contributor

COVID Confessional: I’m a know it all.  I know that. And when it comes to selfcare I have an honorary PhD from the School of Me. During recent months I have consumed mountains of books, articles, videos and TED Talks on what you need to know about selfcare during the COVID19 era. I have reached the summit.

Let me save you some time.

 7 Essential reminders, tips and observations:

1. Selfcare during the COVID-19 era is the same as before the COVID-19 era.  Hard times befell humans pre COVID-19 and will continue down the path.  Having said that, use your super powers to anticipate selfcare strategies so you don’t crash. It’s as important as anticipating your toilet paper needs.
2. You are a working professional.  When it comes to selfcare, you know the basics. Do those.
3. Whatever basics you’re avoiding; get to those first. You know what you are doing too much of, what you are not paying enough attention to, and what you are doing too little. Start there.
4. Go beyond the basics. One level deeper. It is a particularly stressful time, that’s true. It can bring out an unflattering part of us.  So, be mindful that proper selfcare can also be expressed by NOT being a jerk to people when you’re acutely annoyed.  Being a jerk is not good for you or anyone else in any way. So, if you notice you’re being a jerk, take these simple steps:
   • Stop
   • Take a deep breath
   • Ask yourself why you could be acting like a jerk 
   • Listen for an answer. Pay close attention at this point.
   • Take the next best nurturing step to help you be less of a jerk going forward.  You know what to do. Expand into that.
5. Don’t be too hard on yourself.  When you are hard on yourself you may tend to be hard on others.
6. Advanced Bonus Work; Add 5 points and 1 Gold Star
   • Extend your selfcare and kindness into the world by being mindful of others.  Demonstrate selfcare, model it, and express kindness outwardly toward others by making eye contact and/or actually listening to other sentient beings.  Let people know you see, hear, and care about them. You know how much it matters.
7. Selfcare doesn’t just happen.  You attend to yourself.  It starts with awareness, but you already knew that.

Reflection: What do you notice when you really pay attention to and attend to your needs for selfcare?

Lisa Wellington is a Certified Mindfulness Teacher who writes about integrative practices that downshift stress, increase insight, and jumpstart joy.

She is best known for her work with law enforcement professionals as well as those challenged by housing instability and addiction. Trained in the Fine Arts at Washington State University, she specializes in group training that engages participants’ inherent creativity.

If she is not under a stack of books about psychology and spirituality, she can be found at a Puget Sound beach or nearby trail, always searching for the absurd, which is her superpower.