Our End-of-2020 Advice

2020 — not easy! Our holiday wish for you is that you take care of yourself, and to that end some members of the Nurx medical team have some specific advice on how to tend to your health and happiness this time of year. 

Be Present

“I’m a planner, and COVID has been a really hard adjustment that plans are on hold. My calendar looks empty, and I don’t like it. However, allowing myself time to appreciate what I have around me has helped. Getting out for a walk, playing with the dogs or my kids, and trying not to worry about what will happen next has been good for me. It doesn’t mean I can’t wait to plan our next trip, and some days are still hard when desiring a change of pace, but I know I used to look past the present too often. Let yourself enjoy the here and now.” – Cristin Hackel, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner

Turn Off the Home Office 

“Working from home, even in pajamas, is still working! Set aside protected, work-free time to maintain work-life balance. Just 10 minutes of meditation can make a big difference when shifting from work to personal time. It can help you clear your mind and more intentionally switch gears.”   — Joni Gunzburger, Family Nurse Practitioner

Don’t Stress About What You Can’t Fix

“There are many things we can do to make a difference, for our health, for the environment, for our families and other loved ones. But there are other things that are not up to us, and people we cannot influence. Accepting limits and focusing on what we can do, while letting go of things we can’t control, will help you feel empowered and effective.” — Julie Graves, MD, PhD

Manage Big Emotions

“This year has caused lots of emotions for everyone, and it’s healthy and normal to experience a full range of emotions, including anger and fear. Find ways to let go of the emotions that cause you loss of sleep and turmoil. Exercise (even just a walk around the block), love a pet, get busy with hobbies, turn off the news, take time away from social media, even scream if you need to.” —Cristin Hackel

Just Chill

“Everyone is working so hard, and is so stressed from the pandemic, politics, the economy, and caring for others in their lives. I hope our patients will take the time to sleep enough, and to be quiet and still.” — Julie Graves

Go Easy on Yourself

“IT’S OK NOT TO BE OK ALL THE TIME. 2020 has been a roller coaster ride for everyone. So take a deep breath, take time for yourself, and most importantly be kind to yourself.” -Brentton Lowery, Physician Assistant and HIV Specialist

Believe Science

“My wish for our patients is that the information you all get about your health is accurate and based on good science.  With the COVID-19 vaccine on the horizon, flu season here, so much out there on the internet from people with profit motives, I wish that our patients would rely on trusted clinicians for health information. We work hard to be sure what we advise is correct and based on good science. And we are happy to share our sources, and to provide guidance about what information is true.” —Julie Graves

This blog pro­vides infor­ma­tion about telemed­i­cine, health and related sub­jects. The blog content and any linked materials herein are not intended to be, and should not be con­strued as a substitute for, med­ical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any reader or per­son with a med­ical con­cern should con­sult with an appropriately-licensed physi­cian or other healthcare provider. This blog is provided purely for informational purposes. The views expressed herein are not sponsored by and do not represent the opinions of Nurx™.