These are unprecedented times and we probably find ourselves second-guessing ourselves. Should I stay home? How about the relationships I have with friends and family? Isn’t my emotional health as important as my physical health? How can I bridge the gap between safety and sanity? What can I do to be responsible but still enjoy my life and make the best of these very strange times?
Staying healthy is of the utmost importance right now. Our physical strength, our immune system and our emotional health are key to getting through any difficult time. Throughout history, we’ve had to brave the storms. In generations past, there were world wars, the Depression years, the terrible Flu of 1918, the Sept. 11 attacks on our country, and so many more trying times and tragedies.
As we live through this current pandemic, we need to take steps to make life as good as possible. Here are few things to consider:
Stay Connected
Fortunately, we are in an age of technology, so even if we cannot go to see our loved ones in person, we can still connect via Facetime and Zoom. When visiting in person, take the needed precautions to protect yourself and them. Isolation is not good for anyone, so do what you can to stay connected to friends and family.
Learn Something New
This is a great time to take up a new hobby or to spend time doing things you currently like to do. Keeping our minds and hands busy help our mood and keep us stimulated. It helps to curb depression and anxiety. Sometimes getting started is challenging, but once you get going, it will be fun and something to look forward to.
Keep Things Clean
Along with washing our hands often and being careful what we expose ourselves to, it is important to keep your surroundings clean. Disinfect the areas that are most often used, like doorknobs, remote controls, bathrooms and kitchen surfaces. If someone in your home does become ill, make sure you take the needed steps to isolate and thoroughly clean and disinfect the affected areas in your home.
Exercise
A good workout daily releases endorphins that promote a better mood right along with building muscle and cardio. WebMD states: Improved self-esteem is a key psychological benefit of regular physical activity. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain.
Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. For example, the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as “euphoric.” That feeling, known as a “runner’s high,” can be accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook on life.
Eat Healthy
Most people have more time now to explore and create new menu items. Search out new, healthier things to make at home. Cooking healthy meals will strengthen your immune system, cost less money and can be a fun family activity. Teaching children at a young age to choose wisely what they eat will help them avoid problems in the future with obesity and health issues.
Serve
Do you have a favorite charity or cause, maybe something in your community or in your neighborhood that you can contribute to or volunteer for? Serving others helps us to forget ourselves for the greater good. There are so many opportunities around us to make a difference.
Take Time to Decompress
Give yourself permission to relax, do something you enjoy, listen to soothing music, read, meditate, pray, sit in a hot tub or whatever helps you to decompress from the stresses of our time. There is nothing any of us can do individually to change the situation, but if we each take care of ourselves, collectively, we can affect the world around us. Allow yourself to get help with the things you don’t want to do.
Here at Prescott Maid to Order, our purpose is to: “Help people make their everyday life easier and more enjoyable.”
We wish you all Happy Holidays and a very Merry Christmas! QCBN
By Lucy Leyva
Lucy Leyva is the owner of Prescott Maid to Order.
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