Monday, March 23, 2020

Connection and Self Care by Laura Ashwood


As I sat and contemplated what to write this month for my blog post, I decided to just address the elephant in the room. Social distancing. Social distancing for me isn't hard as I am very introverted and most of my connections are already online. But my husband is social and this is hard for him. One thing I have noticed is that my anxiety is significantly higher these days though. So much uncertainty. I know I'm not the only one feeling it. So...what can we do?


This is a list I've put together with some ideas and suggestions I've seen over the past couple of weeks. It's not scientific. It wasn't copied and pasted. Just ideas that will hopefully help you get through this trying time.

  • Stay Connected. Use your Facebook messenger video call feature, FaceTime, Skype or similar app to stay connected with your loved ones. A virtual hug is almost as good. 
  • Create a daily schedule. You can't control what's going on outside, but you can control your environment. Sticking to a daily schedule will help with anxiety and keep you focused on what you can do. 
  • Get dressed every day. Self care is important. Take time every day to shower, get dressed and moisturize. :)
  • Get the games, puzzles and books out. Dust off the old board games and create tournaments. If you have unlimited WiFi, you can connect with others via video call and play together. Find a new author and read one or more of their books. 
  • Try some new recipes. Go through your cookbooks or assemble ingredients from your pantry and play your own version of Chopped. 
  • Read your bible/devotional. Stay connected with your faith. There are many bible verses that address fear and anxiety. Isaiah 41 and Psalm 34 come to my mind.
  • Talk. Whether in a Facebook group, with a friend over the phone, or with a family member at home - talk about how you're feeling. 
Most of all, please stay home if you don't have to be out and pray for those that do. 

Until next month, 
xo, Laura



Falling in love under the northern lights is romantic, but not always convenient...

Falling Five stories; five strong women. Follow the journeys of Lindsay, Eve, Elle, Lila and Bailey as they endeavor to pursue their destinies. And even though love is the last thing on their minds, will they open their hearts to the men of their dreams along the way?

Second Chances by Laura Ashwood - She just wants to get away. He has a deadline to meet. Will being stranded together in a blizzard give them a second chance at love?

Merry Christmas, Eve by Stacey Bryant - He crushed her family business. She shouldn't be attracted to him.

Bitty Love by Beth Gildersleeve - They have a broken past. Can his love change her mind?

Guilty Beginnings by Angie Wilder - A flirty game of cat and mouse. She's a thief. He's FBI. What could go wrong?

A Kiss Under the Northern Lights by Rose Marie Meuwissen - When opposites attract, will a city-gal photographer risk her heart in the wild?

(An anthology of sweet romance short stories by the authors of Northern Lights Writers, a MN Chapter of RWA)



6 comments:

  1. Thanks for the suggestions of what to do.

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  2. Thanks for these great suggestions!

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  3. Excellent suggestions, Laura. Thank you!

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  4. Thank you for your wonderful suggestions, Laura. I'll be incorporating some into my days. {{Hugs}}

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  5. These are great ideas. I have a puzzle that I've been wanting to put together. This would be the perfect time to sit down and give it a try.

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  6. Since my hubby can't go to the gym these days, we are walking together in our neighborhood which has wonderful trails.

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