Elizabeth Kendig is our friend, and the founder of Healers — an online resource of holistic guides, virtual healing experiences and a spiritually curious community that will support you wherever you are on the journey to feeling whole. Because we are, personally and admittedly, feeling quite unbalanced, we knew she was the one to ask what is grounding her right now. And yes, her gratitudes most certainly help. (For more on Healers virtual events and healing sessions, we suggest subscribing here.)

We’re one week into social isolation and, for those of us in San Francisco, shelter-in-location. I thought I would feel less exhausted as the week went on, but the opposite is true. While the panic has somewhat subsided, it’s been replaced by a drive to do something with this time. As if I need something to show for a pandemic besides surviving it. 

Holistic therapist Dr. Anna Roth says that’s a fight-or-flight response. It makes sense: We don’t know what the world will look like if and when we emerge from this crisis. We’re shoring up with everything from toilet paper to personal savings, if we’re lucky. 

My list is not going to mention meditation or Epsom salt baths—though both are normally two of my go-tos. Instead, I’m going to be really honest about what’s been actually helping me to stay semi-okay (let’s be real) during this new normal. Here they are:

STAYING UP AS LATE AS I WANT

SLEEPING IN AS LONG AS I NEED

CUDDLING IN BED

MAKING THE BED

WALKING THE DOG

WATCHING PENGUIN VIDEOS

VIRTUAL HAPPY HOURS WITH FRIENDS

DINNER WITH MY HUSBAND

CALLING MY MOM

OPENING THE GOOD BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE

HOT SHOWERS—OR NO SHOWERS

PUTTING ON MY BROWS & BLUSH

WEARING BIG, COZY SWEATERS

YACHT ROCK DANCE PARTIES

FIRES IN THE FIREPLACE

LIGHTING ALL THE CANDLES

READING THE NEW YORK TIMES

BOOKING A HEALING SESSION

WATCHING PEAKY BLINDERS

TELLING PEOPLE I LOVE THEM

STAYING PRESENT

ASKING THE UNIVERSE FOR HELP