In my work as a health and nutrition coach, my core message is this: No matter what paths you’ve been down with your life and your health, you can eat, move, and recharge your way to your health goals. During stressful times, like the coronavirus pandemic, it is especially important to use self-care to recharge yourself.
In light of our country’s recent health crisis, I’m going to point out the elephant in the room: COVID-19 has totally thrown a wrench in all our normal routines.
Whereas I usually encourage my clients to keep up with their gym dates, their self-care appointments, and their social engagements, desperate times call for dramatic actions. Right now, the best thing you can do for your health is to practice eating, moving, and recharging from the comfort of your home.
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MOVE, EAT, SELF-CARE, RECHARGE AT HOME
For most of us, social distancing, canceled plans, and tenuous work situations have caused no small amount of stress. And therein lies another threat—stress. While the coronavirus is obviously our highest priority health concern at this particular moment, stress is a chronic threat to our health that we struggle with on a daily basis, pandemic or not. Stress can cause you to gain weight, lose sleep, carry excessive tension around in your body, and generally feel less satisfied with your life.
Even more relevant to us right now? When your stress levels spike, your immune system takes a hit.
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How can we deal with stress, both during this super-stressful COVID-19 crisis and in context of our normal routines? It starts with RECHARGING—recognizing when your batteries are getting low and making intentional choices to refuel, rest, and relax as much as possible.
While I recognize that recharging during stressful times might sound easier said than done, doing so is absolutely imperative to maintaining your health and wellness during this time. With that in mind, here are a few of my favorite strategies to feel a little more like your normal self as we navigate our current health crisis, and during other stressful seasons of life:
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF “ME-TIME”
Yes, taking me-time when you’re quarantined with your family does pose a challenge . . . but whether we’re talking about being surrounded by your family members or by total strangers at a typical work conference, the same techniques apply!
Any time you find yourself feeling fatigued, crabby, or disengaged, remember that there’s nothing selfish about dipping into a room by yourself and taking five minutes to just breathe. Right now, this might look like taking a long shower, walking your dog sans-kiddos, or literally just locking the door to your bedroom and spending a few quiet moments in Child’s Pose.
Don’t be afraid to give yourself the me-time you so desperately need!
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GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR SELF-CARE
I always tell my clients that self-care does NOT have to mean hitting a spa, going on a vacation, or booking a massage. This is especially important to remember right now!
If your usual self-care activities aren’t quite socially distant enough for the present situation, get creative! Take some time to read a favorite book, enjoy a long bath, organize your home office, try a virtual yoga flow . . . Whatever makes you feel good! Many practitioners are being creative and bringing virtual classes to us and I encourage you to take this time to try new classes and keep up with some of your favorites.
RELATED: SELF-CARE MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU THINK IT IS
SAY HELLO TO HEALTHY COMFORT FOODS
What comes with stress? Stress eating! I’m not about to tell you not to eat your favorite comfort foods while you’re managing heightened stress levels, but I am telling you that it’s totally possible to enjoy healthier variations of your favorite foods.
I actually recently released a whole article about enjoying your favorite comfort foods the healthy way—check it out here!
REACH OUT TO YOUR COMMUNITY
I hope these tips help remind you that even during dark days, it’s vital that you continue taking care of you and continue to recharge. And, remember, all this me-time and self-care helps you remember that there’s a light at the end of this tunnel.
If you have any questions about dealing with your nutrition, fitness, or mental health during this season, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at dawn@dawnmcgee.guru.
I’d love to hear from you!
And don’t forget to leave your comments below!
Until then, stay well, stay healthy, and stay safe.
Dawn
DAWN MCGEE
Dawn McGee is a certified and licensed Nutrition Evangelist and a long-time foodie, she focuses on both the health and joy of food as fuel for your body. She is a driving force in bringing education on healthy eating to more people through her community, my “Reclaim Your Life, One Bite at a Time” programs, and my book “365 Days of Healthy Living”. Her hope for you is that you live a life you love, without being hungry, feeling deprived, or giving up your glass
