Erin Clifford, partner at Clifford Law Offices, is also a holistic wellness coach. She has been speaking to organizations during these uncertain times to share helpful, sustainable action steps. This post includes some of her tips to use during this quarantine time to take 100% control of your health and get ahead of the game to be healthier and happier when you come out of this.
Take the time to set goals and priorities.
This can start with creating a daily schedule:
Make sure to set you work hours, let your colleagues and/or clients know, and do not respond outside of those hours.
Exercise releases endorphins and reduces stress.
Gyms are closed, but this is not an excuse to stop working out. Make a point to keep up with your fitness routine by doing at-home workouts.
While working at home, get up and move!
Make sure you and your family are eating immune boosting foods.
Fruits: Apples, Oranges, Lemons, Limes, Kiwi, Papaya, Melons, Berries
Vegetables: Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Spinach, Tomatoes, Kale, Cauliflower
Nuts: Almonds, Walnuts, Pistachios, Macadamia Nuts, Brazil Nuts
Seeds: Chia Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Flax Seeds
Whole Grains: Couscous, Quinoa, Brown Rice, Oats, Farro, Barley, Buckwheat
Fats and Oils: Avocados, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Grass-fed Butter
Protein Foods: Grass-fed Beef, Wild-caught Fish, Free-range Poultry, Eggs, Tempeh, Yogurt, Legumes
Herbs and Spices: Ginger, Garlic, Cinnamon, Black Pepper
Beverages: Green Tea, Kombucha, Coconut Water, Kefir, Bone Broth
Look for what foods you already have before shopping. While grocery stores are restocking, go through your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to create nutritious meals. Chances are you have many healthy foods and meals available at your fingertips.
Prep meals and healthy snacks to have on hand. If you don’t like to cook there are plenty of healthy meal delivery services available in each city.
Avoid sugar, fats, fried food and mindless eating. Instead choose a healthy snacks such as hummus, apples and peanut butter or a smoothie.
Mindfulness or the “science of chill” is a way to manage your stress and anxiety during quarantine.
Practice gratitude by creating a Gratitude Journal. Write 5 things you are grateful for first thing in the morning or right before you go to bed at night.
Make sure to get plenty of sleep during this time.
To help fall asleep:
- Make sure the room is dark
- No phone, TV or computer ideally 60 minutes before bedtime
- Take a bath with Epson salts or shower to cool down your body temperature
- Drink herbal tea to relax
- Consult with your healthcare provider about supplementation, such as melatonin or CBD oil
- Use a sleep sound noise generator machine or smartphone app
Other ways to reduce stress and stay positive.
