Before I begin this post, I would like to take time to acknowledge first the medical staff – doctors, nurses, caretakers, hospital employees working endlessly to help fight this devastating virus and care for those that are sick and in need. Also to all the essential workers: police, fire fighters, janitors, grocery store employees to name a few, still working to help keep our communities and cities safe and functioning. I also want to acknowledge the hard working moms juggling working from home and working to care for and homeschool their children, as well as those that have lost their jobs but not hope during this difficult time. If one person finds comfort in something I have posted, then my goal is achieved.
There is no question that this is one of/ if not the scariest moments in recent history. There is a lot of fear and uncertainty about what is happening in the world. However, when I wake up each morning, I take great comfort in keeping myself grounded and healthy. I can not control what is happening in the world, but I can control how I react to it and how I care for myself. While it has been a challenge not to be able to do things that I normally do, I have found solace having a routine that works for me and makes me feel well. Below you will find some things that make me feel better and have lifted my spirits during this time.
1.) Meditation.
I have been meditating every day for months now, and it has brought me so much peace and joy. I do not miss a day, or I feel off… It’s hard to explain if you aren’t familiar with mediation, but once you start, you will not want to stop because it makes you feel that good. I will go deeper into the benefits of meditation in a future post, but for those of you who are new to it, I suggest trying a free app like insight timer and doing what they call a guided mediation. All you need is 5-10 minutes a day. Some benefits of meditation include: lessen anxiety, depression, and stress. It helps maintain healthy sleep and could even prevent memory loss. These are just a few of the many benefits of mediation.
2.) Eating Healthy.
Eating healthy has always been very important to me, but even more so during this time. So much time is spent at home, and we are going out less, so that means that I am cooking more. I feel better physically and mentally when I nourish my body with healthy foods. Right now is a great time to learn how to cook ( If you don’t already) and keep your body healthy and strong. I have found it exciting trying out new cookbooks and recipes. I love going through my cookbooks and composing meal plans for the week ahead.
3.) Exercise.
I know I have already stressed the importance of physical activity in other posts, but I think it deserves recognition. Exercise has changed my life in so many ways for the better. It has helped lessen my postpartum depression, it energizes me so I am ready to go for the day, and has the power to lift my mood completely. All you need is some movement in your day, ideally 20 mins or more four days a week. This could mean a walk, some light weights, a bike ride, etc. whatever exercise that you enjoy doing. I remember when I thought I needed an hour or longer of gym time every day, and that isn’t true. Any kind of movement is right and has so many more benefits than just the physical ones.
4.) Make Your Space Cozy.
During this time, I have cozied up some of our favorite rooms at home that we use a lot, and it has made such a difference! It gives me that warm and comfy feeling when I am hanging with my family. Some things that I added to our fireplace room (where we watch most of our tv) are candles, a diffuser where I use my favorite Doterra oils, and string lights over our curtains.
5.) Read Books.
Something I enjoy and do every night after the kids fall asleep is read. I do this for about 20-30 minutes. It is a form of meditation for me and helps me focus on being in the moment. Some books that I am currently reading and would suggest to you during this time are Super Attractor By: Gabrielle Bernstein and A Return To Love By: Marianne Williamson. This is my second time reading both!
6.) Cooking & Baking.
As you will read more of my posts you will come to see how much I love cooking. It is a passion of mine and a form of meditation/ therapy for me if you will. Cooking is another great way to be in the present moment and show people how much you love them through your hands and heart to their stomachs!
7.) Stay Connected With Loved Ones.
Staying connected to my family and close friends has been very important to me during this tough time. We are so fortunate to have FaceTime and other ways to stay in touch with people without physically being there. If I am having a rough day and catch up with one of my sisters or a friend, it makes me feel so much better.
