How to Feel a Whole Lot More Like Yourself
By Sandy Schroeder
One of the biggest struggles in this trying time may be finding ways to be true to ourselves. If you like to be up early and out for a run, or if you check in a little later and like to leisurely put your day together, that may have all changed as this nationwide health crisis continues.
We are all different, but we do all seek a level of normalcy in place of uncertainty. Finding it may take a little more effort, but we definitely should not give up.
Psychologists tell us sticking to a sense of normality and routine patterns will help us maintain our balance. When we just give up and let go of daily structure, life can definitely go downhill. We all depend on our daily patterns to help us function. Here are some tips to help us hold the line.
Maintain your self-care routines - Keep right on doing what you always do; tub baths, warm showers, flossing, and brushing will perk you up and lift your spirits.
Dress for work not play - It is easy to slip into a casual attitude with sweatpants or shorts, but you may feel more like working if you look like it. For me it makes a difference. It must be psychological, but getting dressed and then showing up at my desk works for me.
Eat real meals - Protein for breakfast, hearty salads for lunch and enjoyable dinners help to keep our bodies healthy and our spirits up. When we nibble on donuts for breakfast, scoop up a burger for lunch and order pizza for dinner, our body feels the difference.
Limit caffeine and hold the sugar - In the same way casual dress may seem OK, extra treats and more lattes may seem acceptable too. Meanwhile, you may feel more wired with less energy.
Stay in touch with your people - You may not be able to hang out at your favorite restaurant, but texts, email and calls will help you let your family and friends know that you care, and that everything is well.
Move and move some more - Replace your gym workouts with morning stretches on the patio, short walks after lunch, and cycle time in the evening. Replace your yoga class with an online session, or sample a new tai chi class.
Clean up the clutter - With so much time spent at home, loose papers, books, bottles and glasses tend to multiply. Take a few minutes every afternoon to sweep the clutter out, vacuum or sweep. Set the stage for a relaxed evening and get up to an orderly house in the morning.
Reach out for new things - All of us may be getting a little too much information about the virus, and new recipes, new ideas for gardening, or a new craft may be just what is needed to help us relax with something new.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Coppell, Tex.