I know, I know, the title sounds dramatic. But the reality is that so many people out there are feeling stressed, overwhelmed and – depending where they’re based – cooped up as a result of the regulations and requirements surrounding COVID-19, that it’s actually pretty spot on. Even the name sounds scary – eek! So, what can we do to stay grounded, happy and whole during this time of upheaval? Here are a few of my top tricks!
DO A DIGITAL DETOX
Yes I know how amazing it can feel to connect to others virtually when you can’t be with them physically, however sometimes the constant influx of messaging, alerts and news can be overwhelming to our nervous systems. That’s why it can be important to take breaks from your phone during the day, as well as to turn off your notifications starting an hour or more before bedtime to help you to wind down. You can also delete or mute notifications from apps that tend to be “high stress”, such as your news outlets, twitter etc. If not using an app completely feels too drastic, choosing a set time to check it (for example: 8:00am and only 8:00am) is another good way to stay in the know while also setting up a healthy boundary.
GET FRESH AIR
This one can be tricky, depending on where you live, but fresh air is key to feeling alert and well! If you live in a city that’s not on lock down, make time to go on a 10 minute walk or to take a quick jog. Limited to your home space? Open up the window in each room at different points throughout the day to change the air and keep that oxygen level high! You’ll feel more alert and your apartment will feel infinitely less stuffy!
EAT WELL
Good food has amazing, restorative power to ground us, comfort us and lift us up during hard times. So whether you’re craving your mama’s mac & cheese, a hearty spring soup or a fresh green salad, take care in the preparation and presentation of your meals and savor them well. Not sure what to cook? Head on over to Pinterest for unlimited ideas and millions of free recipes!
GET MOVING
Woo – you best believe this is how I’m keeping my spirits up! When we move, our body releases endorphins, (e.g. little happy chemicals) which make us feel GREAT! Try and do 150 minutes of movement per week (roughly 30 minutes x 5 days per week). That can be yoga or cardio, a bike ride or a walk – whatever feels good to you! If you’re not sure what to do or you’re used to taking classes, head on over to my Insta page for FREE workouts that you can do at home, as well as my new live stream home workouts! No equipment required!
CONNECT TO OTHERS
This one might seem obvious, but as we hunker down in our homes there can be a natural tendency to withdraw, even if that’s the last thing we need. Luckily amazing people all over the world are organizing ways to connect with one another. Children’s author Mo Willems is encouraging people to do one doodle a day, and is posting daily videos to his website to encourage the process. This Facebook group is dedicated to all things wine, and is perfect for those who want to chat about, well, you guessed it: wine! No worries if wine or doodles aren’t your things – the possibilities are endless. Want to keep it simple? Organize a Skype date with a friend or family member and have a meal together! It’s easy, and best of all, you’ll get the joy of their company without any extra dishes – win-win!
ENJOY A HOBBY
What did you used to do that fell by the wayside? Knit? Embroider? Duolingo? Put that newly reclaimed commuting time to good use and either restart or start a new hobby! (A few easy ones including knitting, coloring, baking and journaling.) Activities like these are great because they force us to be present and mindful – they naturally turn the mind away from the chaos of the world and in toward whatever is at hand, literally. Another great benefit? You have a tangible item at the end! (Top that, Netflix!)
I know the world can feel hectic at the best of times and that this current moment is extra complicated, but it will pass. In the meantime, I’d love to hear what projects you’re working on and what your favorite ways of dealing with the moment are! Share in the comments please!
Xoxo,
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