COVID-19: Tips on staying happy, healthy, and sane

Wow! What a couple weeks it's been.

How are you holding up?

If you're like most people, I'm guessing you're working from home, trying to home school your kids, wondering where your next toilet paper is going to come from, social distancing, and somehow trying to keep your sanity.

Two seconds on facebook or watching the news can send you down a spiral of panic and fear. You've received a bazillion emails from all your favorite businesses telling you what they're doing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. And you just want some sense of normalcy back in your life.

Instead of reiterating everything that you've already seen, today I just want to share some tips to stay healthy, happy, and as sane as possible during these trying times.

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Ditch the sugar
Foods high in sugar can suppress your immune system, reducing your body's ability to fight off illness. This includes processed foods, sugary drinks and alcohol (don't shoot the messenger!) Instead, reach for fruits and vegetables that are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. Some of the top immune boosting foods are citrus fruits, red bell peppers, broccoli, garlic, ginger, spinach, almonds, papaya, kiwi and sunflower seeds.

Get your sweat on
Just because your gym or favorite group class is on lockdown, doesn't mean you can't get a great workout in at home with little to no equipment needed. Get outside and go for a run or a bike ride. Beachbody has a streaming "Netflix of workouts" with something for everyone, including yoga. If you've never tried it out, right now you can get 2 weeks free, perfect for your time under quarantine! Just choose the "3 month" option, you'll automatically get your first 2 weeks free and can cancel any time.
 
Don't skimp on your zzzz's 
According to the Mayo Clinic, lack of sleep not only lowers your immunity making you more susceptible to infections, but it also slows your recovery, causing illnesses to last longer. Get that beauty sleep, girl!

Water, water, water!
Hydration is life! It increases your energy, flushes your body of toxins, gives your skin a healthy glow, lubricates your joints, and aids in digestion. Drink up!

Play in nature
Just because you're socially isolating doesn't mean you can't get outside and get some fresh air. Take the time you'd normally be spending commuting to work, and aim to walk that same time, every day, morning and evening, just like you would your usual commute. Not only is it a great form of exercise, it will also give you time to clear your mind after being cooped up all day. Start your day with a walk and see how much more productive you become!

Retreat to your bubble
This is a BIG one for me. Constantly watching the news, reading every up to date article, watching panic (and fights!) unfold on social media, it leaves me absolutely emotionally drained. If you're anything like me, limit what you let in your bubble. Set a timer and only allow yourself to watch the news for a certain amount of time. Log off of social media for the day. Watch a comedy. Read a book that will positively impact your life. I love audible for listening to books while I drive. Take an online class. But whatever you choose to do, be very picky about what you allow in your bubble.

Channel your inner KonMari
I'm telling you, one of the best ways to release a ton of emotional weight and bring in new energy is to declutter and get rid of the excess. Before I read Marie Kondo's book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up (which later became a Netflix show called "Tidying Up") I used to go through my house and purge everything in what my ex-husband used to describe to my cats as "Julie's having a fit". I'd ask myself, "If I moved to the Caribbean, would I bring this with me?" Years later after a bad breakup, I finally dove into the book and KonMari'd my entire apartment and it was one of the best things I've ever done. Spark joy!

Get with your girlfriends  
I know, I know, this one is a tough one right now, but to live our best, most fulfilling lives, we're meant to be around people. But not just any people, positive people! If you find yourself spending time with people who drain your energy, you might want to take a step back and distance yourself from them a bit. Look to friends who uplift your spirit and energy, and hop on a video chat or FaceTime with them. Post on facebook and see if any friends would be up for a coffee video chat one morning, or a happy hour in the evening. (Just remember, alcohol is sugar, so don't go too overboard!)

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This is an uncertain time for many small businesses so I urge you, if you have the means to, please support your local businesses and small business owners. You can do this by purchasing takeout, making purchases online or over the phone, purchasing gift cards to use at a later date, and liking, sharing and engaging with businesses on social media. 

Enjoy this time with your family, stay healthy, and treat others with kindness as we work together to get through this one day at a time. 💕

xoxo
Julie

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Need more motivation? Here are 30 reasons not to cheat on your workouts!