So we are under strict quarantine and I’m sure you’ve heard on the news about many things to do or eat for a healthier routine during this time when we are basically house-bound. I, too, would like to offer my best suggestions for ways to be healthier, not just with food but with actions and activities. Think of this as a holistic way to self-care during a quarantine.
First, I suggest you call a loved one. Call a friend. Call an elderly relative or neighbor. Call someone from your church. Call a single parent who may be struggling. Call a healthcare worker you know. Even if they don’t answer, leave a message that you are thinking about them, wishing them well and missing them. Leave a message of gratitude for them in your life. And particularly if they are a healthcare worker, be sure to tell them you are grateful for them in your lives, and thankful for the hard work they do every day in service to others. I just dropped off a note to some healthcare folks at a nursing home where a loved one resides. The smiles on their faces was so worth the few minutes it took to write the message!
Give to others! Start up or join a group of neighbors who may be collecting funds for a good cause. I read about and volunteered my time for some neighborly activities on that Next Door app. They may be collecting to bring food or goodies to the workers at a local hospital. Or give to your favorite charity. Yes, you may be worried about your own finances. But consider the idea that you are most blessed when you are a blessing to others. And there are always many people less advantaged than yourself. So step out of fear and into a giving and loving heart and mindset. When you do something for anyone less fortunate than you, and you will see great blessings come your way in return.
Start something new! Have you been wanting to learn a new language? Do it! Have you been meaning to read those books instead of just drinking wine at your book club? Read those books! If you have puzzles in your basement, bust them out and do one! Rearrange some furniture. Figure out that technical issue that’s been bothering you. Resand or repaint some furniture. Fix the lightbulbs that are out. Repot a plant. Sew the buttons that are missing on your shirts. Print out your favorite pictures and put them in the frames stored in your closets. If you think about it for a few minutes, you’ll likely find things that need to be done. And that’s being productive with your time.
Hang in there! I understand some of you are trying to work as well as be “substitute teachers” for your children. That’s a tough spot to be in. And I just want you to know that you are given enough grace to manage it each day. But imagine one day, years from now, when your children are grown up and talk about the “Covid Quarantine”. They’ll reflect on how mom was busy at her desk, but also was around more. Those days will always be remembered. And you can make it a fond remembrance or a harried one for them.
Move your body! The gym is closed, so get on the floor and stretch, do any yoga poses you remember, do crunches, do a plank and increase your time each day. Run in your neighborhood or in your home. I ran up and down my stairs and got winded after the fourth set. But I went to ten anyway. Use soup cans for light weights, if you don’t have small weights. There are a LOT of online fitness gurus out there, so choose a yoga, workout or dance video that appeals to you, block out the time, and like Nike says…just do it!
Sleep is treated as a non-essential in this day and age. But your body and brain get rejuvenated during sleep. You must have enough sleep to thrive in your day. Particularly now, as sleep helps boost your immunity! And since you may not be commuting or even needing to wear professional attire for the next 30 days, you can probably afford a bit more sleep than usual. Try to get to sleep earlier than usual. Wind down your day an hour prior to that. This means shut off any screens like television and phone. This is great advice for adults as well as children. Take a warm bath or shower. Sprinkle lavender essential oil on your pillow or in a diffuser. Dim the lights. Lower your room temperature. Get comfortable. Take deep breaths. And before closing your eyes for the night, give gratitude for as many things as you can from the day. Then sleep. Don’t set the alarm if you can help it. Sleep as many hours as your body needs. Do this regularly. You may be surprised at how much more sleep you get and how much better you feel when you listen to your body.
Clean more than your tabletops and hands. Are your windows clean? Well, clean them. Clean the curtains or rugs you never make time to clean. Clean out the closets that are overloaded. Reorganize your workspace. Compile a stack of giveaways you can offer to charities once the quarantine lets up. Dust the ceiling fans (you know you haven’t done that in years!)
Basically, think about all the times you have said “I don’t have time for that.” And do exactly that thing. Now is a perfect opportunity.
And I don’t want to forget to offer you my favorite foods for building stronger immunity in your body. These are easy, affordable, daily foods that you can find at any grocery store and incorporate into any meal in order to help boost your much needed immunity fighting cells.
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Apples
- Spinach
- Garlic
- Broccoli
- Almonds
- Green tea
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Oranges, lemons, limes
- Mushrooms
- Red Bell peppers
If you need some easy pantry recipes for dishes to make right now, here is a link you may be interested in: https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2020/03/9562888/pantry-recipes-for-coronavirus
For some additional help with blocking out the anxiety and living in the moment for a mind of peace instead of panic, check out my blog about mindfulness. https://bewellwithjanel.com/relationships/living-in-the-moment/
During a time of self-quarantining, the basic rule of thumb for staying healthy is self-CARE! This is required before you can show any care to others. And it’s not selfish…it’s necessary!
Wishing you abundant health and wellness!
