Grouchy and blah

On Saturday morning I woke up feeling emotionally off. The coronavirus crisis was really getting to me and I started to worry about my mental health. I got a text from my friend Erin: “Is our mastermind group this morning?” I checked my calendar. Yep, at 10:00am.

“Ugh!” I thought. I’m not even out of bed yet. But now instead of being despondent in bed, at least I had a goal. Get up and get ready for the call. Make the bed, get breakfast going, wash your face.

Boy am I glad I had that call scheduled. I shared how I felt with my friends. I heard how they were doing. I went from feeling lousy to feeling inspired. Like magic.

Connection comes in a myriad of forms

As y’all know, I’m a big fan of soothing physical connection. I am a Purveyor of Puppy Piles. A Teacher of Touch. And yet this non-touch phone call really helped me. The feeling of isolation went away; in its place was a feeling of love for my sisters. It turned my frown upside-down.

Technology can be such a gift

The coronavirus crisis is also an opportunity. It’s a chance to get creative with our self care. Do you love exercising at the gym? Maybe it’s time to check out online workouts. Miss grabbing coffee with your pals? Perhaps seeing them on video chat will warm your heart. And if it’s cuddling that you crave, I have some ideas for you.

Virtual Cuddling: (v) Connecting Deeply From Afar

Cuddle Sanctuary is offering several virtual events in the weeks to come. You’ll find that other organizations, social groups and religious institutions are also getting creative with technology. Using our computers and phones to meet up and socialize will assure that the only things that are contagious are the good feelings.