It’s April 15, 2020 and I have completely lost track of how many days we’ve been quarantined. What started out as a temporary situation has now become the new “normal”. Personally, there’s been days where I clearly don’t know what I’m going to do to fill the monotonous hours and there’s an uncomfortable, underlying disconnect with WHY I am doing anything at all.
During these strange times, I am incredibly grateful for the commitments I made more than 15 years ago to improve my health and lifestyle. These are the tools that are keeping me sane, vibrant, and on track. When I am feeling lost, uncertain, scared, or flat-out bored, I remember to lean into the everyday things that make me feel whole, healthy, safe, and ultimately, happy.
THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME FOR YOU TO PRIORITIZE 
YOU, YOUR HEALTH, AND MINDSET
Sometimes life gives us opportunities.
This time may not feel like that. But, if you could, take a moment to challenge your perspective. Is it possible for you to commit to doing 1 small thing that would make you feel more positive in your life? I am certainly not suggesting that these are simple times, but if you’re finding that you have some extra time, how could you utilize it, what could you do to bring yourself into better alignment? It doesn’t necessarily have to be about food or exercise, just make it about something that improves you and brings you some joy.
A few suggestions:
Mindful-Eating: Sit down and enjoy your meals. Don’t check emails or watch TV. Chew slowly, taste and appreciate your food. Set the table, use cloth napkins if you have them, play some music, maybe put some fresh flowers on the table. Sometimes it’s the little things that can make the everyday feel a little special.
Connect: Go for a walk (before work, on your lunch break, after work) & call a friend; walk with one of your kids, your spouse, or walk your dog. Make a healthy meal with your family. Play outside with your pets and children.
Time management: Make a list of what you want vs. need to accomplish, specify the time frame of when you are going to do it; plan your meals the night before. Planning & prioritizing is very helpful during these times when we feel unmotivated or out of our normal routine. Can you find a block of time where you can commit to a health goal? Whether that be improving your diet by cooking more of your meals, going to bed earlier, exercising more.
Me Time: Take a 1/2 hour in the morning or before bed to stretch, do yoga, journal, meditate, or read an enlightening book.
Be Creative: Draw, paint a room, build something, rearrange your furniture, reorganize your pantry, try a new recipe, work in your garden or do some landscaping. I love finding physically engaging, creative projects that beautify my home and feel like a workout! Win-win
I invite you to consider these or to make your own list. Setting new habits takes consistent time and most of us are finding that we can carve out little pockets right now. Now is the perfect time to start something new.
What are the things you’ve been wanting to do or how could you make the best of this time?
I would love to hear your inspiring stories, so please share what’s keeping you moving forward right now.
Even though we may be physically separated, we’re all in this together. Ask for support when you need it, & please know that I am here!
