Be a Sunflower
Sunflowers are known for turning to face the sun. During this time of unknowns and unfamiliar routines (or lack of), we too should turn towards the sun. And by turn toward the sun, I mean embrace the positive side, look for the light, make lemons out of lemonade.
ITS OK NOT TO BE PERFECT
A lot of people are posting about using your time for growth during this time when life has slowed down. While I agree, I think we also need to be forgiving of ourselves and find a balance between a growth mindset of watching webinars, learning new skills, growing and a restful mindset of baking cookies and snuggling while watching a movie. Some days you may workout, read a book, remodel your bathroom, or anything else productive. Others you may do a puzzle all day and not get out pajamas. Remember it’s ok.
HOW TO FIND ACCOUNTABILITY AND STRUCTURE
Create a Daily Schedule
Include outdoor time, exercise, free time, time for reading, time for work/school
Stick with your schedule
Get dressed for the day (Try normal clothes instead of loungewear for cues on whether you are maintaining your weight)
Plan a virtual video call with friends or family and get ready for it like you are going out
Focus on sleep (Its important for your health AND your state of mind)
FIND FITNESS ACCOUNTABILITY
Try a fitness tracker (it can motivate you to burn a certain amount of calories, take a certain number of steps, reach a target heart rate, sleep info, etc)
Use a calorie tracking app like My Fitness Pal (it can be helpful in the beginning to jumpstart habits and to be aware of what you are eating while making you consider choices more… long term I recommend mindful eating instead)
Schedule a virtual workout with friends OR take a live class online
Weigh yourself regularly
Make it a family affair (walks together, games to workout together with small children, family fitness challenge)
Look beyond this short term lifestyle and into the future where life is “normal” again
Team up with a health coach to help you meet your goals
FEELING DEPRESSED?
What you eat makes a HUGE difference (aim for whole unprocessed foods, fruits and veggies... try to limit sugar. Your diet impacts your gut flora which send mood impacting signals)
Get ready for the day… wear going out clothes (without actually going out), brush your teeth, do your hair and makeup
Prioritize sleep (practice good sleep hygiene, limit alcohol near bedtime, pay attention to any concerns like snoring or light sleep and reach out for help from an orofacial myofunctional therapist, airway centric dentist, or medical doctor if needed)
