Special Edition: A Takeover on Mental Health as a Parent PART FOUR

Hi everyone!

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Lauren. I’m Jake’s assistant and, more importantly, his sister! I’m stepping in for Jake this week.

For those who missed the announcement last week, Jake is living in NYC for the month of September, rotating at ABC News Medical Unit. In this role, he’s learning about medical journalism and how medical stories make it to TV. He’d been looking forward to this rotation for years but unfortunately 2 days into working at ABC, he got sick and then tested positive for COVID. While he’s resting up, I’m taking over!

He’ll be back next week with his usual updates, including the latest from ABC News!

School is starting and cold + flu season is fast approaching. During this time, it’s not just our physical health we need to watch out for—it’s our mental health too. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when sickness hits your home, so I wanted to share some tips on how to keep your mental well-being in check during this difficult time.

1. Create a Sick Zone: Designate a specific area for the person who’s unwell. This keeps the germs contained and gives the sick person some privacy and comfort.

2. Stick to Routine with Flexibility: Keep the family’s daily routine as consistent as possible, but embrace flexibility when things don’t go as planned. This balance helps everyone stay grounded and reduces stress during disruptions.

3. Stay Connected (Safely): Encourage virtual check-ins with friends or family to lift the sick person’s spirits, and maintain your own social connections for mental resilience. Staying connected, even virtually, is key to keeping everyone’s spirits up.

4. Delegate and Set Realistic Expectations: Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether it’s ordering in dinner or asking a neighbor for assistance. At the same time, set realistic expectations for yourself—remember, it’s okay to let some things slide.

5. Practice Self-Care and Mindfulness: Take breaks to recharge, whether it’s sneaking in a nap, reading a book, or practicing mindfulness. A few minutes of calm can make a big difference in managing stress and staying balanced.

I hope these tips help you stay balanced during what can be a challenging season. Wishing Jake a speedy recovery, and I’ll see you all next takeover!

All The Best,
Lauren