9 Ways to Stay Well During Coronavirus
/In times of high stress, anxiety and fear, many people struggle with emotional eating. And now, in this particular time, many of us are also home bound (aka food always around the corner), sheltering in place, doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. This combination can be pretty challenging to our health and wellness. So I thought I’d share some of the things I’m doing to stay healthy hoping it’ll help you stress less, eat healthier and be well.
#1. Be Active.
Ideally, get outside and walk at least a couple of times each day (if you’re physically able). It doesn’t’ have to be a power walk every time, but simply moving, getting your circulation going, clearing your mind and breathing fresh air can be great for lowering stress. Walk in your neighborhood, through a garden, on a golf course path or find a nearby trail that is not heavily populated and allows you to honor social distancing. If outdoors just isn’t an option, check out some indoor exercise videos on YouTube, like Leslie Sansone Walk At Home.
Deer on my morning walk
#2. Laugh Often.
You’ve probably heard that laughter is good medicine. It can change hormones (in a good way), lift mood, and positively change physiology. And there are so many great ways to add laughter into your day! Read a funny book, watch a funny movie or stand up comedian, listen to a funny podcast or for shorter segments of laughter, watch a funny YouTube video.
#3: Breathe.
Short, deep breathing exercises are amazing from calming the body, slowing your heart rate and stopping the stressful conversation going on in your head. Try this 5-minute session from Los Angeles Performance Therapy or this one from Mindful Breathing Meditation. And many of my clients use apps on their phones, like Calm and Headspace, for quick moments of relaxation to decrease stress.
Photo by VisionPic .net from Pexels
#4: Eat Comfort Food.
I know, the first thing you think of is mac and cheese, chicken pot pie, fried chicken, ice cream. Those aren’t the foods I’m thinking of. Comfort food doesn’t have to be a calorie bomb! Foods can be satisfying and comforting while also healthy. Try this Lentil Soup or Mediterranean Vegetable Soup for a delicious and nutritious comfort food option. If you’re craving something sweet, try this Berry Crisp for 2. It hits the the sweet spot, and you get nutritious, memory boosting berries at the same time.
#5: Aromatherapy:
There are so many ways to bring good fragrances into your day. Getting outside to smell spring flowers, pine trees, grasses and other nature smells is one of my favorites. I light candles almost every night and have started lighting them during the day in my office because I find the smell of vanilla really relaxes me. And of course, essential oil diffusers can create amazing relaxation effects.
#6: Stay Connected
As many of us are currently home-bound to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it can become really isolating! Getting outdoors and seeing other people from a distance can help a little bit, but having real connection time helps a lot! Call friends and family regularly, use Face-time (if you have a smartphone) or try out video conferencing so you can see people’s faces and feel more connected. Zoom is one option that I’ve been really happy with and has a free version that allows 40 minute sessions that you can schedule.
#7. Start a Gratitude Journal
In times of high stress and anxiety, I think this is one of the best things you can do to boost your mood and keep perspective. Taking a moment each day to reflect on what’s most important or valuable to you is very healing. This journal, Good Days Start with Gratitude is a favorite of mine. I use it myself and have given it as a gift many times.
#8. Eat Brain Healthy Foods
Brain Healthy Foods
Research over the past 10 years (and still ongoing) has identified 10 Brain Healthy foods you should be eating regularly. Not only do these foods help reduce the risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, but they’re also important for getting the nutrition you need to maintain energy, reduce cravings for sweets and help tackle emotional eating in times of stress and anxiety. To learn more about memory boosting strategies, download my FREE E-Book or learn more about the Maximizing Memory Program.
#9. Stretch More.
Stretching and yoga exercises can do amazing things for reducing stress, which in turn can help reduce emotional eating. Take 3-5 minutes several times throughout the day to stretch or do a few yoga poses. Set an alarm or calendar appointment on your smartphone to remind you to stop and stretch. These exercises naturally incorporate breathing into the exercises so you’ll accomplish 2 of the 9 strategies at one time! YouTube has many free yoga videos you can check out. Here’s a favorite yoga video of mine from Tara Stiles, Yoga Expert.
I hope several of these strategies work for you to stress less, eat healthy and be well during these challenging times. Please leave a comment with more suggestions about how you de-stress, beat emotional eating and stay well.
NOTE: I do not receive compensation or recognition from any of the companies or products I have mentioned in this post.
