Staying Healthy and Sane in These Crazy Times
A few months ago, no one would have believed that our Spring would look like this. Suddenly, phrases like “social distancing,” “shelter in place,” and “flatten the curve,” have become a permanent part of our vernacular. Perhaps you find yourself feeling anxious, perhaps lonely, certainly we all feel a bit stir-crazy. It may seem like the worst time to think about losing weight, or getting healthy. For many of us, we had set goals, and had a vision for the future and none of what we pictured included unemployment, uncertainty, and isolation.
I am a health coach. This is literally what I do for a living and I have found myself feeling a tinge of depression manifesting itself in a total lack of motivation. I have a large family and suddenly I am working and homeschooling. Thankfully, my husband’s job is secure, but he too is trying to navigate his work amidst all the extra noise and uncertainty. I find myself reaching for comfort foods, and baking things that remind me of better times. And since my children are home, it seems every five minutes I am asked what else they can eat. The structure of my day that helped me make healthy choices and control my impulses is gone, which makes it very hard not to eat “one more cookie” or “just a few more chips.” The struggle is real!
I thought I would share just a few things that I hope can help you feel less alone, and more in control. As the saying goes, “this too shall pass,” and we are here for you so that when it passes, you don’t feel like you are starting from zero. We truly can come out of this stronger, healthier even, and certainly with new perspectives on what truly matters.
Gratitude can change everything.
I have offered this tip more than once on our blog, but it’s always important to remember that gratitude can change everything. It’s particularly difficult when we are going without so many familiar comforts and securities. But if we can take a little time each day to just stop and be grateful, we will see our perspective change. Try finding at least three new things each day that you are thankful for.
Nature, fresh air and sunshine can make things feel new.
Thankfully, we are still able to get outside, and breathe in fresh air and sunshine (if it’s not raining!) If we can make time each day to just be outdoors, things will seem less bleak. Add movement to it and you have a very powerful antidote to mild depression.
Keep exercising
For many who find their motivation in the gym, this is a particularly difficult task. But thankfully, we have options for outdoor exercise, and online exercise programs. There really are so many options for free videos, subscriptions and even E-books to help you keep your exercise routine going. (YouTube has lots of free options) For me, the key with incorporating exercise is definitely the endorphins I need to stay motivated and patient with my family.
And finally, when it comes to food choices, we can try to take a minute, take a few deep breaths. Every time we go to eat something we know won’t make us feel good, or won’t keep us on track, a simple “why” can go a long way. For example “am I hungry?” “How will I feel after I eat it?” “Can I choose something that will give me more energy?” Sometimes, we just need to take a minute and check in with ourselves. And subsequently, if we chose comfort food or a sugary treat, we have to just move on. Don’t assign morality to your food and yourself based on your food choices. We are not “good” or “bad” because of what we eat. And food is not “bad” either. You are a beautiful, unique, valuable person no matter what you eat! Your contribution to the world, the love you give your family and friends, your humor, your talent, is who you are. You are not your weight and not your food choices. Instead, we can ask if the food fuels our bodies, if it helps our mood or hurts it. This takes away the power the food has to control how we feel.
And lastly, remember you are not alone! Dr. Liao and I are working on ramping up my ability to work with our patients as a Health Coach, and I want you to know I am here as a support for you. Please email me if you are finding you need a little extra support, and we can talk about how I can help! We are also working on the idea of some group calls until we can all meet in person again.
My email is medthin.healthcoach@gmail.com reach out to me anytime!
We will get through this season together and come out of it grateful for all the gifts life has to offer.
