Before I even realized it was happening, I lost myself in the process. Inhaling and exhaling as I transitioned from a downward-facing dog into a child’s pose. My mind was clear as I focused on my breathing and the positioning of my arms and legs. The session flew by. As I rested on my mat at the end, I felt more relaxed and calmer than I had been in months. I also felt alive and energized. This event became my new routine. Taking this time for myself has brought clarity to my thoughts, actively healing my body, mind, and spirit. I am more at peace at work and home.

I am a family physician as well as a hospice and palliative care doctor. Throughout the last few months, I have taken care of COVID-19 patients daily and have seen the heartbreaking health effects of this pandemic. I have seen the economic impact on my own family and neighbors who are in various industries. As a mother of three young adult children, I have also seen the pandemic’s psychological and social effects as they returned home for the first five months of the pandemic.

In March, I became sick with COVID-19. I had quarantined alone for weeks as we did not have enough knowledge at the time about the length of infectiousness. My husband and kids took great care of me, cooking and cleaning and running the household. I had friends, family, and patients bring me food, magazines, and even prayer blankets and holy water. I had to learn not only to accept help but to ask for help. I was not used to being the patient. As I have cared for my patients with COVID-19, I’ve noticed this same trait in my female patients: we so often care for others while leaving ourselves on the back burner.

As we begin a fresh new year with vaccinations on the way, optimism and hope fill me. While we do need sleep, hydration, and healthy diets, we also need quality time for ourselves, as well as with our friends and families. By devoting time to ourselves, we will be better able to help others. Instead of letting the pandemic cause more collateral damage, let us learn from it. Let life slow down; be more mindful. We can focus on short term goals and situations that are in our control. We can be more present in our interactions and be more comfortable sitting in silence. Eat dinner outside. Relax on a front porch swing with a good book. Get a new puppy. Listen to uplifting podcasts and audiobooks. Take a bike ride. Go on Sunday drives. Plant a garden. My experience with COVID-19 forced me to take more time for myself. Whatever specific issues you are tackling, I invite you to be more present. Pull out your yoga mat and just breathe.