This is a mental check for the quarantined life! As we all figure out our new routines with quarantine and going into month “who knows what”, let’s not forget to take care of not only our physical health but our mental health as well. Don’t let the shutdown of gyms, restaurants, pools and parks stop you and your kids from enjoying the great outdoors! Live your life!
Your body was made to go outside, soak up the vitamin D, breathe FRESH air and have fun. God created our IMMUNE SYSTEMS for a reason. Let’s not forget about this vital and incredibly designed FUNCTIONING system! Let’s embrace each day during this crazy time.
Are you fearful, stressed out, have anxiety or are mentally down in the dumps? I would encourage you then to turn off the TV. Get off social media and go outside. Play with your kids. Go for a walk or run, listen to some music, a podcast, a book or the Bible. Clear your head.
Don’t get lost in the endless scrolling on social media, or the flipping of channels on TV to see the “most recent amount of cases” just to be thrown back into your negative tailspin and into depression.
Focus on the GOOD in your life! Yes, everything going on right now is not ideal for anyone. But, if you can focus on the things that you are thankful for. The things that bring you joy. Life won’t seem all that bad:)
I challenge you to write out three things that you are thankful for each day. When those negative thoughts begin to creep in, go back to those things you are thankful for. It will mentally help shift your mindset in the moment to become more positive. You can even make this a daily family habit so that your kids (and husband, yes he can play too:)) can share what they are thankful for!
Here are some of the areas that I have enjoyed focusing on during this time of quarantine and hopefully it will encourage you in some way:)
1.) Fueling my body with the good stuff!
I have always been mindful of what I put in my body but I have been more conscious of it since being quarantined. If we are not fueling our bodies with the right food during this time, then the moment you step back out into the world and interact with other people, your body and your immune system will be less likely to be able to fight it off.
If you are constantly eating sugar, processed foods and greasy fast food, you are depressing your immune system and basically inviting the virus to enter your body. Don’t do this to yourself! Fuel yourself and your family wisely:)
2.) Exercising and Moving My Body Every Day
This is something that I have always enjoyed and it has always been in my blood. In my post “3 Ways To Stay In Shape As A Stay-At-Home Mama” I talk about how I committed to myself after having our son that I would get out and walk at least 2 miles every day. As well as other fun ways to workout. However, I know that it can be challenging for a lot of people but that doesn’t mean you can’t begin to start by setting small goals for yourself.
My encouragement to you is to just take one step closer to moving your body each day. Whether that is walking around the block. Chasing your kids around the park or doing a workout at home in your garage for 30 minutes, do something! In doing that, you can then build on it each week.
Set goals for yourself each week! Before you know it, it will become a habit and it may even become your most favorite part of the day:)
3.) Stretching
Stretching is so beneficial for everyone, yet is something that most people are lacking in their life, including me. In the crazy world that we live in, it’s important to slow down and take care of your aches and pains.
My personal training clients would always come in with achy necks, shoulder, knees, etc. and they would always say, “Oh it’s just age! Getting old is no fun”. Which yes, getting older doesn’t help with your achy body. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t be proactive now! Whatever age you are, practice stretching each day to help combat the pains that may come with aging.
Stretching can also help relieve stress, increase your flexibility and alleviate those sore muscles you may have. Even if it’s just for 10 minutes a day, I encourage you to make this a priority in your life and be proactive with any injuries that may follow you as you gracefully age:)
4.) Journaling
Journaling, like stretching, can be a calming exercise to practice daily. Whether you are writing down a prayer or thoughts, grocery list, or your three things you are thankful for, set aside time for yourself to journal or just be silent.
Since having our son, I have come to find that silence is a very valuable thing. Something I definitely took for granted before he was born.
5.) Finding creative ways to play with my son.
Whether it’s going on a walk and pushing him in the stroller or just getting on the floor with him and playing with him, it’s been fun to watch him grow, learn and develop in so many areas. Whether you have 1 child or 5 children, do your best to get creative during these times. When in doubt, go to Pinterest and find some ideas there:)
So, there you have it!
I challenge you!
Pick one thing or a couple things to focus on during this time. That way, when you are free to go about your “new normal”, you will have created some great habits to continue.
Don’t waste the time you have now. Get creative, establish some “you” time or go play some tag with your kids.
Whatever you choose, don’t wait until next week. Start today! Good luck, mama:)
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