This quarantine has been stressful for many people. It is especially so for me for two reasons. The first is, I am self-employed, so, not working with my clients means I make no income. Secondly,  because I am so used to working with people all day, every day. I am experiencing a people withdrawal.

I miss my clients, I know that my work keeps them from pain and stress and anxiety, so I not only miss them, I worry about them as well. What can I do? How can I keep that worry from affecting me?

One way is I reach out to them. I check in, let them know that I am thinking about them. I also do Tai Chi and yoga each day. Whenever I can, I take a walk in the fresh air, being very careful to stay far enough away from other walkers.

The other thing I try to do is keep away from watching the incessant reporting on this virus. I check the news in the morning, I try to read up on the things people can do to protect themselves, then I move on to something else.

Finding funny things to watch, laughing with my friends and family, and cooking. Cooking healthy foods like soups and finding recipes which include more fresh veggies, and sometimes I deliver a container of my yummy soup to my friends who are also struggling to keep up during this time of limited funds.

Just knowing that I am going to be very busy once this is all over keeps me balanced. Now, more than ever, people will need to get a good massage. For their bodies and for their peace of mind.

I hope you stay well, please be careful, order groceries and have them delivered instead of running out to stores, and wear a mask when you are around other people.

Namaste

Valentina Boonstra