Feeling overwhelmed with life at home? Starting to go a little crazy? So many emails, social media, news stories about what you should be doing? Don’t get me wrong, it’s good to keep up to date with the latest news but I’ve limited my exposure. For once, I’m enjoying being in a bubble. Increased stress has a negative impact on our immunity and of course, our mental health so I thought I’d share what’s helping me get through this challenging time. You may find something useful. Let me know in the comments.
- Positive Distraction
As I mentioned, I’m enjoying living in a bubble. I don’t want a continuous feed of Covid-19 news because I know this is going to increase my anxiety.
In the meantime, I’m thinking of the positive things I can do that I’ve been wanting to do for so long but ‘never had the time’. No, I haven’t been learning a new skill like everyone’s telling me I should be doing. I’m doing things I love such as cooking, listening to music, dancing, reading a book during the day (who would have thought!?), watching movies and Netflix. Home DIY which I don’t love but hey, we have time now. Oh and did I mention doing a jigsaw with the kids? You get the idea. - Me Time
It’s so easy to get caught up with managing the home. Making sure everyone’s fed, endless trips to the supermarket (I love going to the supermarket now to escape!), constantly hearing your name, trying to work amidst the chaos.
Schedule ½ hour just for you to do something that you enjoy. I don’t mean endless social media scrolling. It could be a bath, reading, listening to a podcast – do something just for you.
- Gratitude
Write down 5 things you’re grateful for each day. You might think of nothing right now but it could be something as simple as having a nice bed or a nice car. I think back to how people survived the wars. At least we have access to food and water. - Exercise
I know some of you don’t like that word! Move your body. It doesn’t matter what you do. It can be walking, cycling (we’re allowed do that), online yoga, kicking a ball, dancing, push ups, it doesn’t matter! We’re sitting down more now so take a break. Exercise has been clinically proven to relieve stress, anxiety and depression and it’s also great for your gut and immune health.
- Nature
Take a break outside. The park, the streets surrounding you, whatever green you have around you. Again, studies have found nature to relieve stress, anxiety and depression. - Diet
I know it’s very tempting to eat that block of chocolate or tub of ice cream but how do you feel afterwards? Probably moody and irritable and possibly a little guilty? If you haven’t before, now is the time to take control of what you eat each day. Depending on your circumstances, you might have more free time. Being organized and planning is the key to eating well. Have a two week rotation of meals, plan what you’ll eat each day and buy only these food items. Also eat regularly. This will avoid those blood sugar swings which contribute towards anxiety and depression. - Take each day at a time
Anxiety is all about living in the future. We may be in lockdown for months on end, we just don’t know. Thinking of the future will drive us into a panic resulting in increased anxiety and depression. Take each day as it comes. Think what you’re going to do each day and enjoy this time at home for what it is. - Self-reflection
Before Covid-19, were you too busy, stressed, overwhelmed, unhappy, depressed? Now is your chance to slow down and think about what you really want in life. Do you want to be healthier? Are you tired of being depressed or overwhelmed? Do you want a better work/life balance?
Step out of your comfort zone and be a better you.
If you need help in figuring out what to eat and how to change your life for the better, I am offering 30 minute online consultations. Click here to book.
If you want to find out more information about me and everything to do with gut health/mental health and how the two are related, I’ll be doing a Facebook Live each Wednesday at 4pm AEST. Click here https://www.facebook.com/salthenutritionist
Tags
[tags_all_in_one number=”20″ smallest=”11″ largest=”11″ unit=”px” separator=” ” orderby=”name” order=”asc” post=”true”]