Intellectual Stimulation and Spirituality During Times of Social Distancing

Cultural Self-CareCoronavirusIntellectual Self-CareMindfulnessSpiritual Self-CareMeditation

Apr 7

Part 4 of a 5-Part Series: Intellectual, Cultural, and Spiritual Self-Care

Here’s the fourth installment in a five-part self-care series. I initially wrote about emotional self-care and social connection. Last week, I discussed physical and environmental self-care. And this blog covers intellectual, cultural, and spiritual self-care. The series concludes next week with a final post about occupational wellness during these unprecedented times.

This series is packed with information because I want to spread the message that self-care is about more than manicures and bubble baths. However, the intention is not for you to be trying all of these ideas! I’m hoping to plant some seeds for your long-term self-care plan, and to provide a diverse range of self-care tips so that you can focus on the few that resonate with you during this time. Be gentle and kind to yourself, and frequently check in on what you need in the moment. This isn’t a homework assignment and there are no gold stars. There is no “right” way to do self-care.

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Intellectual Self-Care

If you’re itching to stay intellectually stimulated to help you cope with physical isolation, here are some ideas to help your brain build new neural pathways.

Learn a New Language. Challenge yourself, and even your family, to learn a new language. If you have a child currently enrolled in school, Rosetta Stone is offering their services for FREE to the entire family for the next three months!

Books, Books, Books. Regardless of the book you choose, you always learn something new when you read. Perhaps pick up a book that’s been on your nightstand for months, or treat yourself to something new that you’re excited to dive into. If you purchase from an independent bookstore, you’ll also be supporting small businesses. If you like to read paper books it can also be an avenue to unplugging from your devices.
Puzzle it Up. Go old-school with a jigsaw puzzle, or do crosswords, word searches, Scrabble, or Sudoku puzzles online.
Podcast Time. There is a podcast for everyone! Podcasts are a great way to research something new, or to keep you entertained while you’re doing chores. The podcasting format tends to feel more informal and personal, as if you are listening in on a conversation with friends, which may provide some extra comfort during times of social distancing.
Get Your Stream On. Watch a documentary, movie, or television show. You can get an escape from pandemic news and learn about anything from Bill Gates to big cat advocacy, or the competitive cheerleading world on Netflix and other streaming services.
Virtual Learning. There are a plethora of online courses, so if there’s something you’ve been wanting to learn see what you can do from your couch at home. My new project is learning how to use Procreate, and I’m starting with free YouTube tutorials. There are also many wellness, self-care, and meditation courses available during these stressful times.

Cultural Self-Care

Cultural self-care often gets pushed to the background when raising young children, and if you’ve been longing for more cultural experiences here are some ideas to help keep you sated while we shelter in place.

Take a Virtual Museum, Aquarium, or Zoo Tour. You can enjoy cultural experiences from The Louvre to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Stream a Broadway Musical.
Watch a Concert, Music Documentary, Ballet, or Dance Exhibition.
Cultural Conversations. The next time you check in with your family, friends, coworkers, or teachers, talk to them about your cultural interests to get ideas about other outlets during these unprecedented times.

Spiritual Self-Care

Spirituality is a coping skill that often gets overlooked despite its well-researched benefits. The topic of spirituality can be controversial, and the concept itself is sometimes viewed as “soft” or “fluffy.” Research demonstrates that a spiritual practice is correlated with higher levels of optimism, compassion, and graciousness. In addition, people that identify as spiritual tend to report higher levels of relationship satisfaction and self-esteem. If you’re ready to explore your spirituality, or build upon your practice, here are some spiritual practices to choose from.

Connect to a Higher Power. During times of stress, it can provide comfort and guidance to connect to a high power, which could be through religion, prayer, meditation, or your wisest self. One way to conceptualize your wisest self is through the work of psychologist Marsha Linehan, where your emotional and logical minds are working together to make the wisest choices and think the wisest thoughts.
Pray. If you believe in prayer, it is a powerful tool. Prayer is a ritual that helps you surrender what you cannot control while simultaneously being a gratitude practice. Prayer has even been associated with improved heart health and a longer lifespan.
Meditate. Meditation helps our emotional well-being, increases focus, fosters kindness, and improves health and sleep. There is no one “right” way to meditate. Professor and author Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness meditation as “the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally.” It can be as simple as closing your eyes, or gazing down, and focusing on the way your breath feels going in and out from your nostrils. You can try meditation apps, online courses, or articles and books on the topic.
Schedule Quiet Time. Spiritual self-care is about staying connected to our meaning and purpose in life, and if we pack every minute of our day with work, parenthood, or our devices, there’s not enough time for contemplation, clarity, or guidance. You don’t have to meditate, you could draw, write, mindfully drink some tea, or just be still, in whatever way works for you.
Connect with Nature. Being in nature helps ground us in the present moment and observe the flow of our emotions without getting swept up in them. Often being in nature allows us to have a different perspective and connect to our core values, while providing some distance from our daily life stressors.
Yoga or Tai Chi. Choosing a gentle yoga, such as Yin yoga or restorative yoga, can help calm your nervous system and bring your focus mindfully back to the present. Yoga is also a practice in letting go of expectations and welcoming what the body can do in the present moment. Tai chi focuses on slow movements and breathing, which can boost your mood and cognition. You can find videos online for any length to help guide you in your exploration or practice.
Read. Dive into some spiritual, self-help or other inspirational literature.
Connect in Conversation. Talk to loved ones, teachers, mentors, or religious leaders about your spiritual beliefs, practices, and questions.

Check back next week for the final post in this self-care series during unprecedented times about occupational self-care. Until then, may you live with ease, may you be healthy, may you be free from suffering.

Learning a Language:

Online Courses: