Written by: Suzanne Roberts, Social Emotional Learning Specialist At the risk of stating the obvious, it is vital for us to create an intentional plan for our physical health as we endeavor to take care of ourselves and others right now. We are likely following guidance and protocols that work to protect us and to slow the spread of the virus, including but not limited to washing our hands, wearing masks, creating physical distance between ourselves and others, not touching our faces, and staying home much of the time. It is also important for us to remember other basic ways that we need to care for our physical health – we need also to plan for optimal sleep, diet, and exercise. I tend to think about and refer to these basics as the three-legged stool upon which other self-care sits. Creating a plan to eat well, sleep enough, and exercise often provides a good foundation for us to feel well and up to the challenge of caring for ourselves and our loved ones during this time. It is easy to forget the importance of a healthy diet when we have so much going on, and there is nothing wrong with the easy occasional frozen pizza. We do not, however, feel our best if we are living exclusively on convenience items. Many of us are good at planning for well-balanced meals some or even most of the time. However, if that has slipped as stress has increased, now is a perfect time to revisit intentional meal planning and healthy eating. Giving our bodies the best fuel helps them to run as well as they can during times of varying levels of stress. Regular exercise can feel harder right now, depending on what your typical routine might include. Gyms and recreation centers are closed. We are under a stay-at-home order, which recommends most time spent at home. Exercise in your living room isn’t generally as fun as a pick-up game at the local court. So, we have to get creative and do something that works for us, whether that is running/walking outside while creating distance between ourselves and others, virtual fitness classes, games in the yard with the kids, jumping rope or hula hooping. Keeping ourselves moving – and for that matter outside when possible – keeps us feeling better. Exercise helps us to manage our stress, boost our immune systems, and improve our energy levels, so we want to exercise regularly. While good sleep can feel elusive during times of increased stress, its importance cannot be overstated. According to the University of Chicago Medical Center, “optimal sleep helps regulate mood, improve brain function, and increase energy and overall productivity during the day.” But how can we get optimal sleep during a time of uncertainty and high stress? We do so by examining our sleep hygiene and creating a routine that supports optimal sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest the following Tips for Better Sleep:
If you are doing these things and continuing to have trouble with consistent or optimal sleep, it could be helpful to also create a nightly routine that helps signal the brain that sleep is approaching. A helpful routine might include one or more of the following:
Is there something you can do to improve the way you are feeling by changing the way you are planning for sleep, diet, or exercise? If so, have fun with it and see the impact it can have. Until next time, take care of you! Take care of your family! Be safe and stay healthy! =) Comments are closed.
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