Across the world right now we are all experiencing fear, low levels of energy and a shift in our daily routines.
It is definitely hard to stay physically active these days with all the restrictions we have and the social distancing "thing" that is so new to us. I felt bad even taking my dog for a walk the first time I heard the "Stay at home order" was in place. I am highly dependent on a routine so at first it was hard to accept the new guidelines and challenges we were given.
I want to share with you some tips that helped me flow through the first weeks to stay active and healthy while in self-isolation.
1. Create your own work out space
Now its the time to learn body weight workouts, give yoga a try or dust of the dirt of those bands your Physical Therapist gave you last year!
Get creative and push some furniture to the side and make sure you have plenty of light, fun music and a fan because its going to get hot.
Exercise can help manage stress, boost the immune system and improve your energy levels. Because I am not able to massage those trigger points and tense muscles right now, stretching and exercising will help to reduce waste products and toxins accumulating in those painful areas.
But seriously, keep moving.
2. Stick to a schedule and cut out distractions
When you’re surrounded by your family, roommates, pets, and personal belongings it can be easy to get distracted. For me it feels like the weekend everyday! I start to crave junk foods and I procrastinate on my goals for the day. Try to wake up at the same time you used to, set reminders of your phone and stick to the plan!
3. Eat healthy
While most people were hoarding toilet paper, I was stocking up on frozen veggies, chicken and garbanzo beans. Its a good idea to create a budget, sit down with your family and come up with a menu of foods that everybody likes. It makes grocery shopping simple and you don't waste money on food that went bad before you had a chance to eat it. The antioxidants in frozen foods are just as potent, sometimes even more so since they’re often frozen within hours of picking. Make sure to incorporate plenty of Vitamins A, C and E in your diet because they help to combat inflammation.
4. Positive Mindset
Its easy to be fueled by rumors on the internet of how everyone is going to die from coronavirus. I think this pandemic has taught all of us to create a realistic financial plan so we dont feel like we are drowning in debt and financial fears. We need to know where we stand financially and talk to someone about what keeps us up at night. You are not alone, we all are going through this process and when you focus on negative news full of depressing images and tragic stories you will stay in a state of discouragement that all is lost. Emotionally resilient people have learned to take positive action to break out of chronic fears about a global pandemic that they can’t control. Everyone is facing this challenge and everyone may have some tough days but you can learn to face them with strength by doing the opposite.
5. You have the power to change and make today better.
No one knows what the future will bring – but you can know how you will face it. Breathe in faith – breathe out fear. It will work for you, for your family and for those you care about. We are stronger together. Do something nice for somebody. Pass it on.
God Bless you all, I miss you very much :)