5 Tips for Centeredness in a Sheltered In Place World
Our lives have changed dramatically in recent days, and every day we get news that can be scary and confusing. Here are some things that have helped us stay positive and moving.
1. Breathe
Breathe. When you feel overwhelmed. When you have no idea how you’re going to do this. When you think about all your worries coming down the pipeline. Breathe.
So much of life we can not control. We can only control our reactions. When you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, sad, confused, anxious, demoralized, close your eyes and take five deep breaths. Use them to slow your thoughts, slow your heart, center yourself. You can do this.
2. Set a Routine
Routines help us feel structured and productive. You can set a daily schedule that encompasses work, play, family, and self-care time, or you can choose a consistent activity that you commit to, like doing a 1-minute plank at the top of every hour for 8 hours of the work day or going out for a walk at the same time every day. If you feel overwhelmed, writing down a routine that you can realistically be consistent with can go a long way in helping you feel like you’ve got a handle on things.
3. Use This Time to Do All the Things You Said You Didn't Have Time For
Spend time quality with your family, whether physically or remotely. Cook the dishes you’ve always wanted to try. Learn new skills. Binge watch everything that’s been piling up on your Netflix list. Get to those home improvement and house cleaning projects. Think of the world as being on pause so you can do the things you always said you wanted to do but didn’t have time for. You've got time now.
4. Stay Active
In California, the shelter in place guidelines currently allow for outdoor exercise as long as you do not do it in groups and practice social distancing. There are also plenty of exercise routines you can do indoors. Many streaming workout services are offering free classes or discounted memberships. Youtube has a ton of great content. I also love this name workout that you can easily do at home.
You can put random words in a jar and pull out a new one every day to mix it up. Even exchange words with friends for “customized” workout plans. For all you sadists, here's a list of the longest words in the dictionary.
5. Self Care
It's just like they tell us on a plane--put the mask on yourself before you put it on someone else. Because you can’t help anyone if you don’t take care of yourself first. More more than ever is it important to get rest, eat healthy, stay active. Make sure to take care of not only your physical body, but your mental and emotional well-being. If you need to shut off your phone and internet for a bit and decompress, do it. It will still be there. If you need to talk to someone, do it. If you need to pamper yourself, do it. Now, more than ever, is a time to be KIND to yourself.
We will get through this. YOU will get through this. Just remember...BREATHE.
Love,
Julia and Team Body + Soul