Things to do/avoid when you’re going through it: part one.
With 2020 coming to an end, I think it’s safe to assume that we have all “been through it” at some point (or all of) this year — & if it is anything that this pandemic has taught us, it’s the importance of taking care of ourselves. On top of an already stressful year, gym spaces are limited, social interaction is decreasing and many people are working extra hours and taking on extra jobs (shout out to all of the parents who are now teachers). Despite everyone avoiding germs like the plague (no pun intended), COVID is still running its course & stress levels are causing increases in anxiety and other mental health problems. I say this in the most positive way possible guys — 2021 won’t make all of your problems disappear.
So how are you dealing with this? It is easy to say that you are too busy or too broke for any “self care” right now & I am here to call you out:
You are never too busy to take care of yourself. Read that again.
During times of stress it is essential to support your physical and mental health. Our bodies are not made to consistently be in a fight or flight mode, undernourished and over worked. So lets get to the point. How can you support yourself when you are going through it?
Get on a regular sleep schedule. Our bodies thrive on routine and quality sleep is essential for a healthy body.
Decrease your alcohol intake. Alcohol decreases sleep quality, can exacerbate mental health problems such as anxiety and depression and even deplete certain nutrients. It might help you relax at the end of a long day, but too much does more harm than good.
Clean up your diet. I’m not talking about a crash diet/going vegan guys, don’t worry. Start with incorporating more nutrient dense foods and decreasing your intake of processed food and sugar.
Increase your water intake and decrease the caffeine.
Supplement with a good multivitamin (I recommend at least supplementing Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin D).
Move your body!! Stretch, walk, run or find a good at home workout. Stagnant energy creates illness and those vitamins you are taking can not be transported if you lack good blood flow!
Sure, doing all of these things would be ideal, but start small. If you try to do everything at once, you likely won’t stick to it. Start with one or two things for a week or so and add on as you feel ready. A little goes a long way when we are talking about self care. Make the commitment to yourself to do better each day and to honor your body.