As I record on March 23 2020, I’m on lockdown. With so many of us struggling with being homebound right now, I wanted to give you a different perspective on the situation.
We are all in this together and we have to remember that there is nothing we can do about the actual situation at the present moment. I’m not minimizing the difficulty of this situation but we can be mindful of what we can and cannot control and what we use our energy for when a situation can’t be changed. So, I’d like to share that we can choose to see a few silver linings.
More Time
With no commute, not having to drive your kids to activities and social engagements, we actually do have more time now than ever. I mean just commuting alone may be an hour or 2 saved a day. Let’s use this time to help ourselves and don’t let it go to waste.
If your health is not where you want it to be, now you have the time to focus on improving it. If your relationships with your loved ones have become stagnant or strained, let’s use this time to reconnect.
Focus on Health
Health is on our minds but we can do more than just worry about being infected. Here are some ways you can do that from home.
1. Move your Body
I know this can be tricky with your gyms closed but we have so many other options. If you are allowed to leave the house, go for a walk or jog. There are also countless websites and youtube channels offering online workouts. I like P90x3 (a 30 minute workout). If you are a member of a gym, check to see if they are offering their programs online. If you have kids at home, why not engage in some active play or yoga.
2. Eat Healthy
Many of us are eating more home cooked meals. This may not be by choice but it is a good thing. What better time to try out new recipes and prepare meals using whole foods? I have been doing more marinating and healthy baking as those typically take more time that I didn’t have before.
I am not sure how it is by you, but around here in NJ, our stores have been out of chicken but fully stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables. I’ve been making lots of salads with as many veggies as I can find and playing around with homemade dressings.
3. Prioritize Your Emotional Health
These are difficult emotional times so it’s important to take care of your mind. We know the negative effects of stress but often don’t have time to down regulate our nervous system the way we should. If you have been curious about meditation but could not commit, now is the perfect time to give it a try. My personal favorite is the Ziva Method taught Emily Fletcher. If you’ve ever felt like meditation is not for you because you could never ‘clear your mind’, this method is for you.
4. Build Better Relationships
With our busy schedules we often complain that we don’t have enough time with our significant others and loved ones. Now you do. The trick is that you have to take that time and use it to connect because it’s very easy to sit side by side watching mindless TV while zoning out. Plan some time to actually have a conversation. You can make time to play a board game or if it’s nice out, play a game in the backyard. Whatever you choose, make a point of actually connecting not just passing time together.
5. Connect with Nature
If it’s possible to access nature while adhering to social distancing, it can be very calming as well as powerful for health and healing. Even if it’s just your own backyard. If you’re somewhere where it’s warm enough, stick your feet in the dirt for some grounding.
6. Practice Gratitude
Even in the most difficult times, there is always something you can be grateful for. If you can’t think of anything at all, it can just be really simple things like the sound of songbirds or sunshine on your face. For me, I think about having my husband home, being able to provide health and support for all my listeners and patients (and the emails you send me), and the warming weather that lets me get outside for walks. The more I focus on gratitude, the more I realize I have to be grateful for. Gratitude has a VERY powerful effect on your health and overall immune system.
Happy Ending
We will get through this and we will become more resilient as a result. In every crisis lies opportunity. That might seem like a mystery to you right now but you CAN choose to see the silver linings and make the best of this difficult situation. Regardless of what’s happening around you, there is a part of you that’s strong. Call on that part right now. You can do this!
Related Podcast Episodes:
EPISODE #051Unconventional Ways to Boost Immunity & Fight Coronavirus Fears w/ Dr. Mario Martinez
EPISODE #49 Demystifying Coronavirus w/ Inna Topiler
EPISODE #005The Case of the Soul-Crushing Insomnia w/ Emily Fletcher
Thanks for Listening
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