Suffering from COVID fatigue? Chances are you are not alone. Although the pandemic is looming longer than we would like, there are things we can do to cope with it and feel better about ourselves in the process. Guest author, Cheryl Conklin, from Wellness Central, offers ways to manage while we navigate through this once in a lifetime event.
KW: What can you do to feel your best throughout the pandemic?
CC: More than anything, you have to learn to be kind to yourself. Internally, this means doing things like giving thanks for what you’ve got. If your children are healthy and safe, for example, keep that in the forefront of your mind and focus on this and other positives instead of the negative going on in the world around you. The happiest people are those that can find good in even the darkest of times.
Something else to consider as we are increasingly spending time at home with our families is that it’s okay to long for things to return to normal. Accept how you feel, and remember that wanting quiet time alone doesn’t mean you don’t love your family; it just means that you realize the need for self-care.
Speaking of self-care, doing little things for yourself every day can help you feel like the best version of you. These things don’t have to be pricey, such as going to the spa or enjoying a massage. Instead, you can have the same type of relaxation experiences by buying things like body scrubs and scented candles, which can be affordable even if you’re on a tight budget.
KW: What are the best ways to take care of body and soul?
CC: Other crucial aspects of taking care yourself are to eat right, exercise and fuel your passions. Eating well means avoiding foods that make you feel slow and tired. Instead, look for ingredients that won’t bog you down. Certain foods, such as dark berries, chicken, walnuts, and yogurt, can even help fight depression while providing the body the vital nutrients it needs to remain healthy. And on the days you find yourself with little to no energy, a quick and healthy snack can give you a boost so that you can power through your day. Women’s Health suggests snacking on a pear and some protein-packed string cheese, each of which are readily available at your local grocery store and won’t put a huge dent in your weekly food budget.
While eating well can significantly improve your health, make sure you’re staying physically active as well. If you’re not able to go to the gym right now, there are plenty of free exercise and yoga classes accessible on YouTube. You can monitor your progress toward your goals through a smartwatch or fitness tracker. The Apple Watch Series 6 is just one example, and it can measure your output whether you are running, cycling or weight lifting.
It’s not enough just to feed and exercise your body. You also have to engage your mind. This might be something as simple as reading a book or learning a new hobby. The point is to find something you are passionate about and do it. Engaging your own interests can help you feel refreshed and give you the mental stamina you need to power through the pandemic.
KW: What about your surroundings?
CC: Take a look around your home to see if you need to make any changes. Not satisfied with the way your bedroom feels? Switch it up. Surroundings feel too cluttered? Take some time to tidy things up a bit.
KW: Anything else?
CC: You do not have to have a huge expendable income to enjoy big benefits where health and self-esteem are concerned. What you need is an open mind and a willingness to seek out the good where everyone else sees bad. This, coupled with self-care measures, will go a long way toward helping you be the best version of yourself now, and it will help you stay that way moving forward.
Cheryl Conklin is a freelance writer, tutor by trade, a blogger, adventurer, traveler and creator of wellnesscentral.info. She created wellnesscentral.info because she believes one cannot have physical health without mental health and vice versa. Ms. Conklin wanted a place to share her thoughts on wellness along with the great resources she finds on her own wellness journey, and so wellnesscentral.info was born.
Web Links:
– https://www.briantracy.com/blog/personal-success/positive-attitude-happy-people-positive-thinking
– https://www.ulta.com/bath-body-bath-shower-body-scrubs-exfoliants?N=2765
– https://www.rankandstyle.com/top-10-list/best-cheap-candles-home
– https://kwlms.com/2019/10/29/3-ways-to-keep-your-waistline-trim
– https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/g25572249/foods-that-give-you-energy/?slide=12
– https://www.verizon.com/connected-smartwatches/apple-watch-series-6
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