Life as we know it has permanently changed. Just as those who experienced the Deep Depression, 9/11, 2008 economic fall, and many other tragedies, the event changed how they saw the world and respond to life events afterward. Whatever the loss, coping with grief and depression is a necessary survival skill. I read a fabulous article on the subject, COPING WITH GRIEF AND LOSS. I encourage you to read it. Parts of this blog and my attached facebook live video is based on the content on the Coping with Grief and Loss article.

There are many types of loss. While we battle COVID-19, some of these will include loss of: health, jobs, financial stability, dreams, loved one’s illnesses, the life of a loved one, and safety after trauma.

Become familiar with the 5 stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Symptoms could include fatigue, nausea, lowered immunity (you do not want this during COVID-19), weight gain or loss, aches and pains, and insomnia. Be aware of depression or feelings of hopelessness.

I recommend that you keep some sense of normalcy during the Stay-at-Home mandate. Consider these suggestions:

• Get dressed. Change out of your night clothes, even if it’s just slipping into lounge-wear.
• Cleanse your face and wear a little makeup
• Shower
• Do your hair
• Communicate with friends via phone calls, facetime, video chat, lettering writing.
• Read. Feed your mind with something enjoyable.
• Pray. Mediate. Connect with God.
• Limit newsfeed and COVID-19 updates.
• Do home projects you have not had the time to accomplish.
• Learn a new skill.
• Exercise your brain.
• Do some kind of exercise: dance, yoga, or whatever you enjoy.
• Use calming products like lavender and chamomile.
• Schedule an online party with me. You and your friends around the nation will laugh and bond together.
• Ask me for a free 3 time application facial.
• Wear a fragrance. It’s a great mood changer. Or spritz a favorite fragrance in your room. A great pick-me-up scent is Navigo Ocean femme or homme.

For a summary of the Coping with Grief and Loss article, view my video. The most important thing to remember is to stay safe, stay home as much as possible, and build your COVID-19 survival