STAYING SAFE AND SOUND IN TOUGH TIMES
Hi everyone and welcome to another FACTUAL FRIDAY in the age of Covid-19.
These are indeed unprecedented times for my generation and for many of us on the earth right now. Times are tough. Days are difficult. The future is uncertain. Our world has been turned upside down. And yet, we must move forward, carry on and do the best we can for ourselves, our families, our friends and our colleagues.
To that end, I’m sharing a few tips today that as a three-time cancer survivor, have helped me tremendously in the past. I find it interesting that the basic tools for surviving any crisis largely remain the same. What has been true for me in the past and for many others actively trying to survive a difficult situation, is still true today. And I’m happy to share 5 of these survival tools with you as we all move through this turbulent and trying time together.
ROUTINE
Plan your days and your weeks in advance. Having a daily routine will give each day structure, and structure provides a way of organizing your life so that it makes sense to you. Let’s face it, most of us are facing our days without the familiarity and comfort of our old schedules. Establishing new routines during this time will help us wake up each morning with a sense of order and ownership of our days. Structure also will give us a sense of control of our immediate surroundings, which is so important in a world turned upside down. Planning definite times for work, home-schooling, meals, exercise and family fun will help us get through each day with a sense of purpose and anticipation.
NUTRITION
In times of crisis, it’s completely normal for us to turn to “comfort foods” which offer us an escape from discomfort and disorientation. Having that extra scoop of ice cream, or that big bowl of mac and cheese, or that third slice of pepperoni pizza is to be expected from time to time. Yet, don’t make it a habit. Be sure to add plenty of fresh or frozen veggies and fruits to your diet. Incorporate lean proteins like chicken and fish. Add grains and nuts for fiber. And always be sure to drink plenty of water. Our bodies and brains need proper nutrition and hydration to stay strong and fight disease and illness, relieve stress, calm our minds and maintain a healthy immune system.
EXERCISE
Moving our bodies has never been more important than in this time of isolation and quarantine. If you’re indoors, exercise can be anything from walking or running in place, to stretching, lifting free weights or deep breathing. House cleaning and chores will keep us moving. And if you’re lucky enough to have outdoor space, working in the yard, washing the car, playing with your pet, or tending a garden are wonderful ways to keep the body moving. Simple movement every day will keep our hearts strong, our blood pressure lower, our muscles flexible, our moods better and our overall emotional wellbeing stable.
SELF-CARE
Balancing exercise with proper rest is vital. Take time to be kind to yourself. A warm bath with Epsom salts will relax your body while soothing sore and tense muscles. A little lavender oil on the temples will relax your mind and reduce headaches from anxiety and stress. For a few minutes every day, sit quietly with your eyes closed and meditate gently on everyday thoughts, or practice a little deep breathing one slow breath at a time. With any scented oil, gently massage the arches and toes of your feet, the palms of your hands and the top of your head for instant relief from the stress of the day. Enjoy a soothing cup of green or chamomile tea every afternoon when your energy begins to wane to boost your vitamin, nutrient and anti-bacterial intake.
FRESH AIR
If possible, get outside. It’s the perfect way to incorporate exercise and self-care during strenuous times. Breathe fresh air. Walk barefoot in the grass. Surround yourself with trees and flowers and birds. Try to get ten or fifteen minutes of sunshine every day to help the body produce more vitamin D and renew our immune system. Reconnecting to Mother Nature provides an escape from our problems and pain, it helps center us, it elevates our mood, and reminds us that we all are a part of something much greater than ourselves.
In closing, I’m reminded of my Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Between the three of them, they and their families lived through the turbulence of immigrating to a new country, World War I, the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918, the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the civil unrest of the 1960s and 1970s. And they and theirs survived and moved forward steadfastly even though the waters were uncharted.
We, my friends, can do the same. This current situation will one day be behind us. Let’s make sure we weather the storm well, and that the things we remember about this time and the part we played are positive recollections we’ll be proud to share with future generations.
Thanks for joining me everyone. Until next time, please take care of yourselves and each other. Stay SAFE. Stay STRONG. Stay in GOOD HEALTH and . . .
TAKE THE COURSE AND TAKE CHARGE!
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