In this uncertain time of anxiety and isolation, many of us are experiencing a major adjustment in our lives and adapting to new norms. It is important to try and stay connected, grounded, and well—both in physical and mental health. Here’s some things to help you put your best foot forward in the current situation.
Check In with your Mental Health
● Mindfulness and Meditation – Many of us are feeling extra stress during this time, and meditation can help to manage anxieties. Even just a few minutes of connecting to your breath can provide a moment of calm. There are many resources available for meditation, with apps such as Headspace, which is currently providing free meditations. It includes meditations, sleep, and movement exercises to help you out, however you’re feeling. Insight Timer also has free meditations ranging from 2 minutes and up. Is meditation not your thing? Read on.
● Practice Self-Compassion – Perhaps one of the most beneficial things to do for your mental health at this time is to give yourself a break. We all may be feeling a range of emotions right now; anxious, angry, depressed, sad, unsettled. It is important to remind yourself that all these feelings are valid. Forgive yourself for how you are feeling. Focus on just doing the best you can each day and it’s okay to take time to relax.
Socialize Virtually or Practice Gratitude Texting
● Keep Connected with Family and Friends – While we may not be able to see our friends and family physically, it is beneficial to keep connected with our loved ones virtually. Connecting with others can lessen anxiety and help keep you centered, especially if you’re able to talk through and process your feelings. This includes reconnecting with old friends; is there someone you haven’t talked to in a while that you’d like to check in on? Now may be the perfect time. It’s also okay to take a break from virtual Zoom meet ups, if it is feeling like too much screen time.
● Create Virtual “Events” – Get creative with your virtual hangouts! Create a virtual happy hour with friends where you can share and connect while enjoying some cocktails (or mocktails!) A virtual game night with friends is a good option to bring in some fun, with party games like Jackbox making it easier than ever to play games with family and friends remotely. Fortunately, we live in a time where it is easier than ever to connect virtually in many more ways than one.
● Gratitude Texting – If you feel like you spend all day on Zoom and need a break from screen time jot down three things you are grateful for and send to a friend. I’m doing this daily with a group of friends and it’s been helpful.
Take Care of your Body
● Movement and/or Exercise – Bringing movement into your day is great for physical but also mental health. Just getting outside for some fresh air and a leisurely walk is a great option. Beyond that, there is a plethora of digital workout resources like the ever-popular Yoga with Adriene, and many videos are available that cater to those in small spaces, apartment living (being conscious of downstairs neighbors, so no jumping or running), no equipment needed, etc.
● Importance of Immunity Building Foods – Souperb has always had a focus on eating well with nourishing, fulfilling foods, and that is more important now than ever. Pandemic to stress eating is happening. While this is understandable (forgive yourself!), it is good to be focusing on immune health. Start with veggies, aiming to get foods with Vitamin C. This includes broccoli, kale, strawberries, brussel sprouts and leafy greens. Foods with an orange hue also help, such as carrots, sweet potato, oranges and tomatoes. Those foods have vitamin A and carotenoids that are really great for your immune system. Want to learn more about carotenoids? Check out our recent blog post, A Love Letter to Tomatoes.
- If perishables are out at the grocery store, you can freeze produce you can get your hands on for later use. Want to stock up on Souperb? It freezes well and you can easily defrost it for a nutritionally fulfilling meal. Check out where you can find Souperb in stores here!
