Taking good care of ourselves (and each other) has always been important, but self-care is more crucial than ever during these days of COVID-19.
Here are a few of our favorite wellness tips together to help you feel your best, no matter what’s going on in the world.
Get outside
Studies have shown that spending time outdoors is good for our mental health and overall well-being. Although gathering in large crowds isn't in the cards right now, we can still enjoy some time outside while safely social distancing.
Try taking a walk through your neighborhood, going for a bike ride, or hiking an "off the beaten path" trail. You’ll enjoy some nice vitamin D from the sun, and get a bit of stress busting exercise in at the same time!
When it’s time to eat, go ahead and fire up your grill, and enjoy lunch or dinner Al Fresco. Relax on your deck or patio with a glass of your favorite wine. Spend some time tending to your garden (or make this the year you really start one 🙂).
Nothing lifts the spirit like fresh air and sunshine!
Catch some zzzs
At this point, there's no need to quote all the studies that show us the importance of getting a good night's sleep.
We all know why we should be getting forty winks each night, but we often aren't sure of how to sleep well - especially during an unprecedented pandemic.
If you're struggling with sleep, try cutting off the coffee and caffeinated drinks by 2pm, and resist the urge to bring your cell or laptop to bed. Keep your room cool, and dark (black out curtains can help), and invest in comfortable bedding.
Drink a warm cup of non-caffeinated herbal tea such as chamomile - but be sure not to drink too much water before bed! Certain sea foods, such as shrimp and lobster have been associated with better sleep, as they both contain naturally occurring tryptophan (the same stuff in turkey that makes us conk out after Thanksgiving dinner!). For your next dinner, why not try something delicious, that also helps you catch some zzzs?
Eat healthy and tasty food
Great food can bring us so much joy. In fact, some might consider that feeling we get from the first bite of a truly delicious meal to be joy in its purest form.
Fueling our bodies with healthy foods gives us the nutrients we need to feel our best.
Thankfully, healthy meals can also be incredibly delicious, so happiness and wellness can become one!
Be sure to fill your plate with colorful veggies - and take note: they don’t have to be boring or bland! Try a creative dish such as Stuffed Bell Peppers for a flavorful indulgence packed with important vitamins.
When it comes to meat, reach for lower fat, high quality protein. A fantastic choice for healthy eating, lobster can be prepared in countless ways, and makes a decadent substitute for higher fat meats in many, many recipes. Plus, lobster provides important vitamins and minerals such as B12, and copper - which has been linked to boosting immune systems, so you get health benefits plus a dining delicacy. Now that's a self-care approved treat!
Connect with loved ones.
With many working from home, and social distancing in play, it can be easy to feel isolated. Connecting with friends and family is critical to your well-being and peace of mind.
Catch up with a loved one on the phone, or video chat with an old friend. Many social activities can be adjusted to an online forum. Try hosting a virtual happy hour or dinner party.
No matter how you choose to do it, make sure connecting with others is an important part of your self care routine.
As you think about maintaining good health and wellness in the face of challenging days, here’s something to keep in mind: now's the time to take care of yourself, take care of your family, and take comfort in knowing brighter days are sure to be ahead.