By Uma Campbell
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, telehealth was becoming a popular alternative to in-patient healthcare options. Often people are so focused on meeting the needs of their friends and family and the responsibilities of their daily obligations they neglect to check in with themselves in the process. The need to care for others can interfere with one’s self-care routine and take a severe toll on a person’s well-being. The numerous benefits of therapy for mental health and physical health are even more prominent as we adjust to a new normal. The many different companies that offer telehealth and telemedicine services have made it an incredibly convenient and efficient way to ensure you and your loved ones are in the best health possible, even in uncertain times.
The Role of Telehealth
Advances continually reduce the limits of telemedicine in technology. Virtual medicine lets you discuss your symptoms, receive a diagnosis, learn about treatment options, and receive prescriptions all in real-time, with a healthcare provider of your choice.
This new way of medicine allows interaction with a wide variety of specialists that you may not be able to contact otherwise. In many cases, it will enable patients to recover from the comfort of their own homes and help doctors facilitate recovery and encourage self-care practices safely and efficiently. A patient survey from CVS Minute Clinics reported an almost 99% satisfaction rate with their telehealth visits. Telehealth can be useful in virtually every specialty from medical consults, psychiatric appointments, and even Outpatient physical therapy. These types of sessions are perfect for patients that need counseling, instruction, or consultation. They are healthy and independent enough to do so from the comfort of their own home with a little added supervision.
Everyone Can Benefit From Therapy
The common misconception is that you only need therapy to help you deal with an extremely traumatic event or have been diagnosed with a mental health issue. In reality, there are many different therapy methods, and in some capacity or another, everyone can benefit from being able to discuss the problems in their life with a professional.
Although therapy is a proven step in many recovery programs and is often incredibly helpful for individuals struggling with mental illness, therapy is also a great support system going forward after a crisis has passed. During quarantine, virtual therapy can help encourage self-awareness and help you recognize what activities or self-care practices are necessary to soothe negative feelings, stress, or simply bring you some relaxation. Venting to friends and family is in and of itself, a form of therapy. However, professionals are equipped to not only lend their ears but also supply you with a toolkit tailored to your specific needs to help you cope with life’s inevitable stressors.
How to practice self-care
Self-care has been a bit of a buzzword in recent years and has been attached to countless products and services in the health and fitness industry. There is no right way to practice self-care, but the following ideas are easy to implement in your daily life.
- Try keeping a daily gratitude journal
- Read a book, try deep breathing techniques or meditation
- Make an effort to practice good sleep habits. Reducing screen-time before bed will likely help you enjoy a more restful sleep.
- Incorporating daily, moderate exercise in some form can help improve your mental and physical state by releasing endorphins and increasing your focus throughout the rest of the day.
- If it’s a beauty or skincare routine that allows you to relax and recuperate then set aside that time to pamper yourself regularly
Prioritizing self-care is about self-preservation, not self-indulgence or selfishness. Neglecting one’s own needs can eventually lead to more deep-seated resentment, low self-esteem, and mental or physical burnout. To better adjust to new norms, be secure with yourself in a crisis, and remain aligned with your purpose, you need to practice taking care of yourself first. In times when you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, your self-care strategies can be the first place you turn. Practicing good self-care improves your immune system and increases positive thinking; it allows you to become a better caretaker and friend to those you love.
