2020 has been quite the year… It’s May. With many tragic global events taking place over the last five months, I bet you thought that we were in the clear. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has turned our world upside down in a matter of weeks. Hundreds of thousands are becoming ill at a rapid pace, the global economy is crumbling, countries around the world are forced into lockdown and social isolation, and all non-essential businesses are being forced to close leading to thousands of people losing their jobs.
It is a scary world right now and trying to navigate through these tough times with so much left unknown can seem insurmountable. However, there is something oddly comforting in knowing that for once in our lives we are all on the same team; all going through this together. When was the last time you felt like you could relate with so many people at once?
As we continue to maneuver through our “new normal,” there are things that we need to do to ensure that we have our physical and mental health in check today, so we can continue to fight for a better tomorrow.
TURN OFF THE NEWS
As we are inundated with new information 24/7, at some point you just have to shut off the news to stop the hysteria from spreading to your head. Sit in silence and learn how to be with and work through your own thoughts. Start absorbing information that will help grow your brain. Read, play an instrument, listen to a podcast, meditate.
EMBRACE AND ADAPT
There is a lot of resistance when change is presented. Allow yourself to feel whatever it is you need to feel, but in order to move forward you must embrace the situation for what it is and prepare for what’s next. We have watched businesses quickly adapt in finding ways for their employees to work from home, creating online platforms or going completely virtual. Being forced into this position has created new revenue streams for things that didn’t even seem possible, even a month ago. Change isn’t bad and should be viewed as an opportunity for growth and resilience.
BE ALONE—TOGETHER
Have empathy and support by social distancing. It’s a small price to pay that will help provide the relief needed for the front line workers who are doing the actual hard work. Connect by conversation and call family and friends, old and new. We live in a day and age where we are technologically advanced enough to have a conversation with anyone in the world from a click of a button. Find online fitness communities that will get your body moving and the rush of endorphins in the comfort of your own home.
PLAY THE LONG GAME AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL AND SMALL BUSINESSES
Avoid living in fear and making irrational decisions, especially when the economy is in a very fragile place. If you are fortunate to be still getting paid, you should continue to pay for memberships or services that you normally would, or you run the risk of that beloved business not being there when this all blows over.
EAT WELL, GET ACTIVE—EVERY DAY
Focus on eating fresh produce, good quality protein and avoid anything heavily refined or highly processed. I was shocked to stand in line at the grocery store and see people stocking up on canned goods and toilet paper. Both completely unnecessary items to be hoarding at a time like this, as grocery stores are still open and delivery is an option. If, by chance, all you purchased were canned goods, you may use that as your weights for at-home workouts found on Instagram—then eat the food as a post-workout meal! We will get through this, together.
