Poor night of sleep last night. Surprisingly, sleep has not been an issue thus far in the time of pandemic. Couldn’t get comfortable. I wonder if I was subconsciously thinking of the show, I listened to on public radio yesterday about strange dreams and disrupted sleep during the pandemic? Whatever the case, I felt beat up this morning.

Through this pandemic, I have really struggled with the lack of Federal Leadership. I knew when Trump wanted words banned from the scientific community that we were in BIG trouble. Know he is talking about disbanding his Coronavirus task force? I am literally speechless. His plan seems to resemble throwing up confetti in the air at a party for one(himself) and watching where the pieces fall and not caring because someone else will pick it up. We could not be in worse hands at the federal level. I am angry, sad, scared, shocked, and feeling hopeless on some days. These feelings are not good for my health or anyone’s health long-term. I know this from my years of training and learning. So what strategies are you employing to combat this?

I can share with you some of my methods of coping I am currently using.

Meditation. I have a daily practice where I sit for 20 minutes per day. I usually use the app calm, or I use Insight Mediation Center (not Insight Timer). I also utilize the programs the University of Minnesota Center for Spirituality and Healing is offering during this time of stress and uncertainty. I dial in to the Tuesday programming that is called Stress Busters. This is one hour of gentle movement and meditation. I find this Tuesday offering to be a highlight of my week. Joining with likeminded folks committed to taking care of themselves so they can be their best for others. I will speak more about this in upcoming blog posts as well as the other self-care strategies I have been using to keep myself physically and mentally in shape.