Life Hasn’t Stopped: A Moment for Reflection and Self-Care

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We have all arrived at a point where we are forced to face ourselves and our real—not idealized—relationships. Many people are currently dealing with frustration due to the inability to realize everything they had hoped for.

I understand the anxiety—I, too, was worried and stressed when I realized that my entire life and practice had to be adapted to new circumstances.

For those who wish to find their way back onto the right path step by step, here are some reflections:

Self-Reflection: Questions to Ask Yourself

1. What exactly have I lost in this situation?
2. How do I feel about what is happening?
3. How is this affecting me?
4. Will this impact my relationships?
5. Can I see both the positives and negatives of this situation?
6. Is there any chance I could gain something from this experience?

Identifying Personal Resources

1. What are my personal strengths?
2. What are my character’s strongest qualities?
3. What talents do I have? What activities bring me joy and fulfillment?
4. Household chores haven’t been canceled—so why not make today a day for organizing kitchen shelves or closets?
5. Maybe it’s time to replant some flowers?

Reevaluating Priorities

1. What is truly most important in my life?
2. If my relationships with my children matter the most, am I treating them accordingly? Am I trying to force them into a structure that’s convenient for me, or am I expressing my frustration in unhealthy ways? Instead of imposing, am I having conversations and making agreements with them?
3. If my romantic relationship is a priority, maybe it’s time for deep and meaningful conversations about the future, about the struggles we have faced together or separately, and about how we have overcome them. I don’t believe that most people have spent their entire lives in a protected greenhouse—everyone has faced hardships before. This is the perfect time to share those stories, to remind ourselves of our strength, and to build confidence in ourselves and each other.

If It’s a Crisis, Then Self-Care Is Essential

First and foremost—rest! What gives me energy and a sense of peace? What brings me pleasure? How can I quickly boost my endorphins?

1. Running?
2. A walk?
3. Books or movies?
4. A delicious meal?
5. A bubble bath?
6. Cozy pajamas, a super-soft blanket, and a cup of tea?
7. Sex and intimacy?
8. Meditation?
9. Prayer?
10. Maybe someone is brave enough to start the swimming season early?

Or perhaps all of the above—why not?

Prioritize Emotional Well-Being First

Once you find a sense of peace, you can then plan your day and distribute responsibilities accordingly.

A special request to all women:
Stop trying to be perfect. Lock that inner critic away—don’t let it sneak out and berate you for not being an ideal mother, teacher, employee, or wife. Please stop trying to handle everything alone!

Plan your day so that you feel as comfortable as possible within the given circumstances.

Then, discuss these changes with your household—especially your children. Explain everything to them. For younger children, use alarms or timers:
“Mom and Dad will be working for this amount of time, then when the timer rings, we’ll cook together, go outside, or get ready for bed.”

Talk to them, explain things—but do not scare them.
Please avoid saying things like:
“If you don’t listen to me, the virus will come and get you!”

Children already have incredibly vivid imaginations and will come up with the worst possible scenarios. Instead, tell them only what they need to know—without unnecessary fear-mongering.

Supporting Your Children in Their Learning

Help motivate them to study—but only when you have the energy to do so calmly.

Your helplessness and frustration will create the same emotions in your child, and any positive learning outcome will disappear.

Wouldn’t it be better if your child remembers this time as a special period when they received more of your attention and love—rather than as a time of stress and fear that they later talk about in therapy?

These circumstances have given us the rare opportunity to be together. After all, it wasn’t the school teachers or daycare workers who created our families—we did.

Setting Personal Boundaries (Especially for Moms!)

Take care of your own right to have moments of solitude:

• Go outside for a walk alone.
• Take time to use the bathroom in peace.
• Enjoy a long bath without interruptions.

This is YOUR time!

And most importantly—accept help wherever possible. Of course, keeping safety precautions in mind, but remember: you do not have to do everything alone.

Wishing you success, resilience, and balance!