Take a Cat Nap
MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH UPDATE
Today is Juneteenth—a day that has long been commemorated here in Washington, DC, and is hopefully on its way to becoming a national holiday—celebrating the end of slavery. For those who don’t know, it originated in Texas, marking the day that Union soldiers reached Galveston and informed slaves living there that they had actually been emancipated two years earlier. Let that sink in.
So today, I join in the celebration, mindful of all the work that remains to be done on the road toward racial justice, and with all of the hope for meaningful change the last month has generated.
Speaking of celebrating, it is FRIDAY, almost officially summer, and ALL we want to do is romp with friends, congregate around a backyard barbecue, and sling our arm around pals as the burgers sizzle and pop.
But that, too, is complicated.
It’s going to be a long, hot summer—a slow burn of uncertainty, bewilderment, and sweaty confusion.
So today I’ll provide you with some SUMMER COPING TOOLS to tuck under your chef’s hat and pull out when you are feeling hopeless, helpless, or just plain sick of the pandemic.
Here is another mnemonic device that reminds me of my cat Ruby: CAT NAP.
HOW TO GET THROUGH THE SUMMER IN A PANDEMIC:
C - Commit to the rules. The more you and your family submit to wearing masks, handwashing, and social distancing, the more you are protecting yourselves and your loved ones. More and more data shows that masks really work!
A - Allow for fun. You need to let loose. Host that barbecue! But instead of a huge gang, invite just a few pals—and ideally the ones who have been equally careful about the rules and aren’t coming in hot from Florida. Keep everyone outside and at a distance, don’t share utensils, and keep hand sanitizer at the ready. You can take off your masks outside if you stay 6 feet apart!
T - Take small risks. We’re going to be living with some level of COVID risk until a vaccine or better therapeutics arrive, so pick low-risk activities that will bring you joy. Like socializing outdoors with a few pals. Make it a small gathering, and know that your risk is small if you are staying apart and enjoying nature’s built-in ventilation.
N - Never lose hope. We WILL get through this. And we actually will come out stronger as a result. While the suffering is real, growth is possible. I have already seen it in my patients—sick or not sick with COVID. In the newspaper, on TV, and even in our homes we are seeing examples of resilience, adaptability, and connection despite the trauma of the pandemic. Hope is alive and well.
A - Attend to your own needs. Use this moment to realize what gives you meaning and purpose and what brings you down. Write it down! For so many of us before the pandemic, the frenzy of life buried important thoughts and feelings—good and bad. But now that you’re up close and personal with the inner workings of your brain, try to notice, document, and see them on paper. You may find some good stuff in there—and some things to let go of. Remember that you get to write your own story.
P - Pace yourself. Our bodies and minds have been put to the test, and we are nowhere close to being done. So don’t try to accomplish everything in one day. Give yourself breaks, take time to breathe, and prioritize sleep.
ON THAT NOTE, I am taking the weekend fully off to relax, sleep, play, laugh, see friends, and celebrate Father’s Day. My husband in particular deserves a shout-out for his incredible flexibility, humility, and HUMOR during the pandemic.
I hope you are lucky enough to get some time off, too. My amazing assistant Mariam (pictured here) is planning to rest after a busy week at the office! I will see you next week. Until then, be well.
P.S. Mark your calendars for two Facebook LIVES next week! (I will email links to the recordings for those not on Facebook.)
Join me and Dr. Clay Ackerly on Monday, June 22 at 8 pm ET for a COVID-19 news roundup and conversation. Send us your questions by clicking this link here.
Join me and Michelle Palmer, Executive Director of the Wendt Center for Healing and Loss next Wednesday, June 24 at 2 pm ET to discuss managing mental and physical health in tandem during the pandemic.