Coffee with Arielle: Connecting with Others, Taking Care of Yourself and Finding Joy in These Times

Arielle Arbushites, MSW, LSW

NOTE: The following information was published April 21, 2020. For current COVID-19 information, visit LVHN.org/COVID-19.

Arielle Arbushites, MSW, is a licensed social worker and manager of support services for LVHN Home Care and Hospice.

What started as a recorded message dedicated to her team is now a video series we’re sharing with you. There are pieces of Arielle’s message that we can all take to heart.

In the series we’re calling “Coffee with Arielle,” she offers tips and tools for emotional wellbeing and reminds us all that we’re in this together and we’re #LVHNCOVIDStrong.

Hello everybody,

We’ve been given the gift of a new experience – let’s see what we can do with it. It’s 100 percent okay to be nervous or afraid, but know that we’re all in this together. We’re not alone.

I’m so excited to launch this series of videos. I hope that you’ll take just a few moments to join me each week as I share some advice about how to get through these tough times.

Life is all about connections. These trying times may feel like a test of our strength and resilience. As a way to stay connected, we lean on family, friends and colleagues.

So, grab your coffee (or tea) and watch my first video. We’ll talk about things you can do to connect with others, take care of yourself and even find joy in these challenging times.

Here are a few very simple (and wonderful) things you can do in the midst of these challenging times:

Take a walk or run. It’s safe, it’s healing and there’s no need to stay shut up in your home or car as long as you’re not in a group.
Connect with a different friend each day. Who haven’t you connected with in a while? How are they faring during these challenging days? Catch up with a simple “I’m thinking of you and wanted to check in.”
Take a virtual tour. When you’re ready to wind down at the end of your day, take a virtual tour of the Museum of Modern Art or even an aquarium to see all the fun animals.
Try a yoga class online. Google “free virtual yoga” or “free online yoga” for a number of studios who are offering web classes or simply find an app on your phone. It’s pretty cool!
Don’t underestimate the healing power of art. Whether you paint, collage, crochet, knit, color in a book or do projects with your kids, art projects can be a simple way to find joy.
Create a calm atmosphere. Post new pictures or find your favorite quote to post in your home or office. You can also create an upbeat playlist for your workday.
Spread kindness. Doing a good deed improves your own sense of well-being so get creative with random acts of service you can do for others right now.