Due to the COVID-19 pandemic all of our “in person” programs have been suspended until further notice. However, we are providing the Zoom Pandemic Parlor as well as phone consultations relative to our mission and in support of your well-being during this extremely challenging global event. The number to call is 928-525-2910. Office hours are from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Meanwhile, please follow the guidelines provided by your medical professionals and the CDC. Here are some of those recommendations and a few of our own:
- cough or sneeze into flexed elbow or disposable tissue
- practice frequent hand-washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- do not touch your face (especially eyes, nose, mouth) with unclean hands
- practice social distancing by staying 6 feet apart while in conversation
- wear a cloth face covering when in public and you are not able to social distance
- don’t shake hands; give yourself a hug and make eye contact with your friend to indicate a warm greeting
- work from home if possible; shelter in place if that order has been given by your local leaders
- disinfect frequently touched surfaces (door handles, light switches, toilet handle, cell phone, computer, etc.)
- stay home/self isolate if you are feeling ill; consult your physician if symptoms get worse or you have trouble breathing
- take care of your health and personal hygiene by keeping up with your medical professionals; don’t skip personal care (showers, teeth brushing, medications, or meals); get some sleep, nap if you have to; beware of over-indulgence in addictive behaviors (alcohol, sugar, drugs, work, news watching, etc. . . )
- get some fresh air by walking, biking, or running if you can do that at safe distance from others
- practice meditation, mindfulness, yoga, tai chi, or simple stretching
- communicate with loved ones, but use social media and internet resources with some restraint that allows for inner reflection and other activities that are not about the virus
- give yourself permission to feel and process the grief associated with your situation and that of the world; seek others to communicate with about the grief
- for your social health, find a COVID Buddy. This is a person who agrees to communicate with you about the pandemic and how its going for you both. The timeline and method for communication is yours to design. I know people who do daily check ins via text; weekly via Zoom, Skype or phone, every two weeks on a social distance walk, etc.
- for your family’s social health, you can form a covid bubble or quarenteam.
- find humor. . . memes, netflix, movies, youtubes, songs; a little laughter can be healing
- if/when you feel out of control, take a breath; name 5 people you care about. After you name them, go back in your mind and say something out loud that you love about that person. It can change your state; reduce the out of control feelings
- isolation can be very difficult – consult a counselor, sponsor, chaplain, or medical professional if you are slipping into unmanageable depression or anxiety
- take time to be present to the moment, be with family, play games or puzzles, read, watch videos, create something artful, journal, sing
- learn something new; a language, an art form, computer skill, wood-working, cooking/baking, planting a garden
- take a practical action that helps you to feel you are contributing to this unprecedented time i.e. call your senators, make a donation to causes you care about, send cards to loved ones, help with a neighborhood cleanup, social distance volunteer for something meaningful, etc.
- be well; be peaceful; be mindful