- Larissa Spafford, FNTP
Tips to Stay Healthy & Relaxed
"Worry does not empty tomorrow of it's sorrow, it empties today of it's strength" Corrie Ten Boom
During these challenging and uncertain times, there’s so much we can’t control or do anything about. Fortunately, there are many things we can do to improve our well being, improve our health, quality of life and immune system function.
Here are some things you can do...
Sleep and/or meditate
When you sleep your body cleanses, regenerates and heals. 8 hours is sufficient for most people.
Meditation can reduce stress, control anxiety, promote emotional health and improve sleep, among other things. We could all probably use more of these things right now. Plus, it’s free and you can do it anywhere.
If you need help, there's a free Calm app for meditation, relaxation and sleep.
Eat well
This entire blog is dedicated to this subject. Here's my entire blog in summary:
To experience better health, the majority of foods you eat should be whole and nutrient dense, close to the way they came from nature. Eat less refined and processed foods that have been stripped of their nutrients and have added chemicals to to make them shelf stable.
It is possible to eat whole unprocessed foods during this time. Whole food options include:
Dry foods:
beans, lentils, rice, quinoa, and other whole grains, nuts and seeds
Canned foods:
coconut milk, artichoke hearts, salmon, oysters, sardines, tuna, nut and seed butters
Frozen foods:
berries, meats, fish and veggies
Stock up on fruits and veggies that store well....
Winter squash- acorn, spaghetti, butternut
Root veggies- potatoes, sweet potatoes, turnips, beets, carrots
Cabbages
Celery
Garlic
Onions
Apples
Oranges
Grapefruit
Lemons
Limes
Avocados- buy them when they aren’t ripe and store in the fridge. Take one out at a time and store on the countertop for faster ripening. To really speed ripening, store in a paper bag at room temperature.
Other whole food ideas:
quality meats, eggs, yogurt, cheese, raw sauerkraut and other fermented veggies
When you stock up at the grocery store, buy things that don’t keep long, like fresh greens, tomatoes, fresh herbs, bananas, etc. but make it a priority to eat those first. I like to decide what I’m going to eat by what needs to be used first. It can even be fun to put meals together this way.
Get 0utside (but stay 6 feet apart)
Being in nature has many benefits including improved physical and mental health. It may even improve immune function. Many parks and outdoor spaces are now closed, so if you live in a place where this is still an option, enjoy it while you can (but please stay at least 6 feet away from people not in your household).
Exercise at home
There are many online resources for free or paid workouts you can do at home. Here's a few:
Feel gratitude
Another free thing anyone can do with many benefits. One way to start is to make a list, either mentally or on paper, of things you are grateful for. Here’s some ideas to get your started: being able to breathe, having a roof over your head and food in your belly, being more connected to others and having more information at your fingertips than ever before in human history, toilet paper.
Watch your thoughts. When you find yourself complaining, like "uggg, I don’t want to wash the dishes," turn it into something you’re grateful for like…"I’m grateful I have food to eat and running water."
Connect with loved ones
Calling or FaceTime can be more satisfying and rewarding than texting or messaging.
Learn something new
We're so lucky to live in a time where you can learn almost anything online. There are many free resources available. Here's a list to get you started.
Take it easy and enjoy the slower pace of life
For so many people, the hectic, busy pace of everyday life causes so much stress and gets in the way of taking care of themselves. Now is a great chance to use free time to benefit your health.
If you'd like help, I'm accepting new clients for Virtual Consultations. In person consultations will be available again once the current health crisis subsides. I hope you take care and stay healthy!
