Instagram and Netflix have collaborated to launch Wanna Talk About It?. It is a weekly live series on Instagram with the stars of some of Netflix’s popular shows talking about taking care of oneself during a global pandemic.
The series kicked off with the All the Boys I’ve Loved Before actor, Noah Centineo in conversation with Ken Duckworth, MD, the chief medical officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). They spoke about self-care: how we’re struggling and how to prioritise mental health right now.
Centineo was seen saying he sucks at self care. And that he needs help. He talked about how, at the beginning of the pandemic, he thought that watching the news and “hours of government updates every day” could provide comfort and control; instead, it became a source of stress.
Dr. Duckworth said that one needs only enough media to know what’s happening. That means watching the news just once or twice a day. If people watch the news excessively, they might end up worrying and stressing about it. Right now, a big part of self-care is using the news and social media in a way that helps you, instead of stressing you out. Here are eight therapist-approved ways to manage yourself right now.
Centineo talked about the ways he’s been doing self-care right now by taking breaks from work, checking in with friends, making his bed every morning, and journaling. He’s also been trying out the Wim Hof Method of controlled breathing with some of his friends.
He also said that he had created a group chat, checking in with each other every day, saying, ‘I did my session.’ He added that It creates a community aspect,”. And once he’s done 20 or 30 minutes of breathing and checking in with himself, “I become more open to myself. ”
Dr. Duckworth also encouraged people to view the period of physical isolation “as an altruistic act to help the vulnerable.” Centineo agreed, adding, “I’m being isolated with millions of other people around the country and the world. It feels like I’m a part of something greater than myself by doing this.”
Dr. Duckworth summarized the talk down to four tips that will help deal with anxiety and prioritizing self-care:
Keep your anxiety in control. With your loved ones being away, anyone is bound to get worried. However anxiety builds by negative thinking.Here are therapist-approved ways to deal with negative, intrusive thoughts.
Stay connected to other people. If you’re living away from family or friends, you can text and FaceTime to stay in touch.
Help others, as you can. You’re being altruistic just by staying at home. If you want and are able to do more, try shopping for a neighbor or ordering from a local business.
Mental health professionals are offering help with remote tools like tele-therapy so that people can get help without leaving their homes.