Silver Linings!
In my last blog post I had lots of ideas for taking care of health, fitness and wellness. In the past 2 weeks many things have changed so what was best practice a few weeks ago is no longer viable or best practice now. Navigating the new Wellness during current health challenge is an every changing playing field and may be with all of us for much longer than we had originally imagined.
So how do we all adjust to the constant movement regarding what is allowed, what we need to avoid and what is going to serve us for the long haul as this may be a long haul? I have some ideas and instead of starting with the nuts and bolts of fitness, healthy eating, drinking water and sleeping and am going to start with the mental/emotional component of navigating the new wellness during current health challenge. Here are some ideas that may make a big difference for your level of stress, anxiety and over all well being.
- Limit social media and news. The constant bombardment of negativity was hard enough before COVID-19. Now it is off the scale. While being informed is good-too much information is not helpful. Shield yourself. What do I mean by limit? Twice a day no more than 20 or so minutes.
- Engage in some positive and uplifting mental/emotional content. This could be a book, podcast, online seminar or class. Right now there are many opportunities for this and some of us have more time than we are used to having so why not feed your brain/soul.
- Make a plan for your day: Get up at the same time every morning-have a plan for your day. The term I use is “Get up and Show up”. So yes get dressed and engage as if you were headed out the door.
- Create some space for yourself if your sharing a space with others. I think it is very hard to be around the same people 24/7 in a confined space so get creative. How can you get some alone time? If you have a room can you be alone for a bit. Taking a walk is great if you can. In some areas of the country this is not possible because social distancing is not possible while engaging in a walk.The rules around fitness options has also changed.
Navigating the new wellness during current health challenge looks different than it did even a week ago. If your area is like mine parks, national forests and national parks are no longer open for use. If you enjoy being outside what are your options?
- Cycling on a road bike or e-bike is still considered OK just keep your 6 foot distance if your passing walkers etc.
- Walking/Running/Cycling on open bike trails is still OK. Just keep that distance while passing others.
- Walking or running from your front door is still OK. Just keep your distance.
- You will know when trails, parks, areas are not OK for use. This will be posted and difficult to ignore. Follow the directive.
On all these activities I recommend doing them alone or with a member of your household. Sorry, not your regular fitness partners or buddies. That said you can still create accountability through text messaging, phone calls and/or email/social media. In addition, all the gyms, yoga studios and fitness studios in my area are now offering online classes for as long as this continues. This could be a great time to see what you cab explore in your living space. Trust me, movement will help keep you sane, boost your immune system and is just an over all good practice to be engaging in now more than ever.
While I could write pages on healthy eating and additional wellness practices to consider right now I will save that for next week. Things will have most likely changed yet again by then. Till then look for the Silver Lining. It is happening daily we just need to be aware.
Everything I am suggesting can be done with social distancing, alone and/or in your home. It is my goal to support you fully during this time of change and uncertainty while helping you support a healthy body, mind and spirit.
In support of you being able to live a life that feels free, powerful and awake.
Laurie Bagley
