The majority of us have never experienced a pandemic before and it has impacted everyone in some capacity. For those that were struggling with mental health prior to this pandemic, their situation has likely escalated. Our everyday routines have been majorly disrupted and 2 months in, it is definitely taking a toll.
Sheesh, even going to the grocery store has turned into quite the production. That was one thing I loved to do – browsing and eyeing up all the yummy produce – looking for the best deals. Well, I finally found the courage this past week to head-out – hitting 2 stores, back-to-back. Please don’t report me to the Governor – as I think this was breaking the law. 😊 People were not following the arrows in the stores and definitely not keeping their 6 foot distance. Then there are always the people that take up the entire aisle with their cart – parked right in the center and completely clueless of the people waiting to get by. I picked up raspberries and didn’t realize until looking closely, they were getting close to rotten – but I didn’t want to pick them up and put them back down. Ugh, so when checking out, I told the grocery attendant to keep them. But I stressed about this each time I wanted to closely inspect something, and I felt like it took me forever. Wearing a mask – well, yes, I hate it. We need normal back and unfortunately that does not look like it’s arriving any time soon.
Aside from the silly grocery drama, there are some much more serious items to worry about such as the economy (and even having enough money to hit the store). This unfortunately has become a new normal for far too many. Then there are those that are getting sick, family and friends that are suffering. The fear of getting sick or getting a family member sick is another anxiety hanging over us.
All of this stress and anxiety affects our mental health which in turn affects our whole health. Newsflash! Stress and anxiety affect our health and our weight more than the food we are feeding ourselves. It truly comes down to who we are being when we eat rather than what we are feeding ourselves. Wait? Did Coach Christi really just say this? Oh yes, I did and it is the 100% truth!
How exactly do we turn this around? Read on for improving your overall – whole body HEALTH!
- Sleep, Sleep, Sleep! Our bodies need at least 7-8 hours per night. To maximize sleep quality, your body needs to be on a set schedule.
- Remember that session on sleep and the importance of having a set circadian rhythm? It all ties into your whole body wellness. Having a routine right now is everything. Try not to oversleep or go to bed too late! Yes – I have heard of Netflix but shut it down by a certain hour (say 10:00ish) – lights out by 10:30.
- I set my alarm every morning to help stay on a schedule. It’s definitely helping with my sleep cycle and quality of sleep.
- Are you experiencing very vivid dreams right now? Well – many people are – and actually all across the world. REM (not the band silly) sleep has been more prevalent since people are getting additional hours of sleep. This ramps up those dreams and why you are experiencing more vivid ones.
- Remember that session on sleep and the importance of having a set circadian rhythm? It all ties into your whole body wellness. Having a routine right now is everything. Try not to oversleep or go to bed too late! Yes – I have heard of Netflix but shut it down by a certain hour (say 10:00ish) – lights out by 10:30.
- Regular Movement – Move THAT BOD!!!
- Helps reduce anxiety and stress – BONUS – it helps improve MOOD. I can say with confidence we all need this right now. Plus, all the other health benefits.
- Eat Healthy, Whole Foods!
- Pack up your diet with nutrient dense whole foods. The benefits are limitless.
- Limit, reduce and remove processed foods.
- Limit processed sugar.
- Limit caffeine! Take it from me on this – I feel the anxiety ramp up when I had 1 too many cups of coffee. It’s an awful feeling and very tough to get out of the cycle once it starts.
- Avoid tobacco and try to limit if not avoid alcohol.
- While it may provide some temporary relief, the after affects are not worth it. Alcohol ends up reducing coping skills.
- Limit Screen Time! At least 30 – 60 minutes before bedtime. It’s like drinking a cup of coffee before trying to catch some Z’s.
- Relax & Recharge! We as a society struggle with this hugely. One silver lining from all of this is the down time. While it’s a struggle in how to manage all the down time, we should be taking advantage of adding self-care into our daily lives. It helps immensely with settling down anxiety. Examples include:
- Quality time with friends – via the screen or for a distanced walk. Nourishing to the soul.
- Family time and just talking – time to dig a bit deeper and talk about more meaningful things.
- Spending time enjoying your pets – they help us on so many levels.
- Deep breathing / meditation / bubble baths / listening to music / read a book / have a dance party in the kitchen (I love doing this when cooking – blast the music and sing really loud) – it’s ok since no one can come in to get a full dose of your bad singing or dancing. 😊
- Limit Exposure to the News! Ugh – its tough on the soul. I am all about staying informed but tuning in too much will do a number on your mind.
- Tune into others that are struggling – watch for signs and get them help. If you yourself are not feeling right, seek help – reach out to family, friends and/or your doctor.
And lastly, most importantly – there is always something to live for and look forward to. You are loved by many. Know we will get through this – TOGETHER!
Source:
What is holding you back from getting healthy? Is it all too overwhelming with the current climate of this crisis? My coaching advice to you – “Take it one day at a time”. As we are experiencing this crisis right now, your health is everything and without it, we have nothing.
Next Facebook Live is this Friday, May 15th. Topic being crafted and excited to share with you all!
I look forward to seeing you there!
Click Link Below for Free Coaching Video Series:
- Managing Stress During Coronavirus Pandemic
- How to Minimize Sugar And Improve Energy
- How to Boost Your Immune System & Combat Coronavirus
- Tips For Better Quality Sleep
- Beating Your Inner Resistance – Habit Change
- Reality of MS & Autoimmune Disease
- The State of Our Mental Health During the Covid Crisis
https://christihealthcoach.com/video-gallery/
ChristiHealthCoach.com Updates:
- You can now save your “go to” recipes as FAVORITES. Easier to find!
- Coming Soon:
- Interactive Group Forum – Discuss varied topics including tips on removing inflammation, weight loss, gaining energy and much more!
- Projected Launch Timeframe: Late May 2020
- My First Ever Online Program – 8 Week Program – Stop Suffering with Inflammation and learn to eat the Anti-Inflammatory Way. All with the added benefit of shedding some weight, gaining more energy and getting a thriving life back!
- Projected Launch Timeframe: June 2020
- Interactive Group Forum – Discuss varied topics including tips on removing inflammation, weight loss, gaining energy and much more!
Oh, My Health, There Is Hope – is a book with many wonderful and inspiring stories about how people have taken their own personal health crisis and turned it into a positive. And “Yours Truly” is a co-author!!! Read it as a means of inspiration and direction in this challenging time we are all living in. Let the stories inspire you to make a difference in other’s lives because there is HOPE.
Click here for the Amazon Link and get your copy today.
If anything, think about why you want to be healthy and the driving force to help you stay on track. Own it and START SHOWING UP FOR YOURSELF. Your future self will thank you!
Recipes
Check out my recipes here – the list will continue to grow.
NEW FEATURE: Several recipes now include short instructional videos.
How is YOUR health? If you still aren’t sure where to start, schedule a time to talk with me.
Let me help you stay on track and meet your goals this 2020!
Visit https://christihealthcoach.com/contact/ to get started and schedule a consultation today!
Cheers To Your Health,
Coach Christi
