I can see in myself and those around me, how easily it could be to slip really far away from our normal health/wellness and self-care routines right now. Our once busy lives of running all around, meeting friends/family for workouts, or coffee, fitting in self-care like massages, facials, manicures, making time for wellness visits to doctors/acupuncturists/therapists/healers has all been abruptly stopped. We are now asked to stay home, all the time. All appointments cancelled. I feel that there is more at risk here than just getting the corona virus, but also losing the routines many of us keep in place that we need to function optimally. In this new “normal” way of living while staying home, I think it is even more important than ever to stick to a wellness routine, even if it looks very different than it used to. I think a tool to managing the stress and anxieties of today’s world means maintaining a semblance of our “old” schedules and not letting our health routines get too far derailed. Here are few of my wellness tips on what I recommend people do during this challenging time:
1) Stick to your typical schedule as much as possible - getting up, eating, working out, work, time for family/friends (virtually), even getting dressed, will help you maintain some sense of normalcy in your day-to-day life. Staying active can be a beneficial way to boost endorphins ( feel good hormones) and in managing feelings of stress. There are so many awesome studios and instructors moving their classes online right now, making sticking with workouts very accessible. . I have started live streaming the barre classes I teach through ASANA Charlestown new virtual studio. Staying home may actually open up more time to try out new styles of digital workouts, you might find a different form of mindful movement is more suited for your right now. The important thing is to take care of yourself and keep moving your body as much as you can. If you have your workouts covered, maybe this is a time to try for example, online cooking classes, virtual art or music lessons, tune into meditations, listen to inspiring podcasts. or maybe just a time to rest and relax. I do hope less rushing around has brought a sense of calm to peoples lives.
2) Maintain as much of normal diet as possible and eat foods that help boost your immune system – Try to make sure you are getting enough Vitamin C and Zinc and include as many immune boosting foods into your diet as possible including: citrus, ginger, bell peppers, turmeric, spinach, broccoli, almonds, blueberries, garlic, green tea, dark chocolate, coconut oil, and foods containing magnesium. This one has been particularly challenging for me, as boredom leads me to snacking (as does stress). I am really trying my best to keep to as much of a pre-quarantine eating schedule as possible. Mostly because I know eating healthy and regularly keeps me feeling my best.
3) Take daily breaks from news and social media – try to fit it in some outdoor time (while maintaining social distancing protocols) or any time away from screens just to detach from the constant stream of daily worrisome news. I found in the recent days, this might the most important thing I need to do to self-care right now.
4. Stay connected to people - This is the perfect time to make calls (actual voice calls) or video chat with friends and family, especially those that you haven’t talk to in awhile and those that make you laugh. I am not a fan of talking on the phone and I often find myself feeling my usual, I don’t feel like actually talking on the phone, but I have been pushing myself to do it. I noticed I feel so much better after talking with an old friend or family member right now. I have also found setting up group chats has been a fun and often funny way to stay connected to the people I am missing seeing right now. I am so grateful to anyone that can bring a moment of humor and lightness in to my day right now. I really need it.
Stay safe! Stay well!
