This is a great time to explore healthy habits we have always wanted to establish. Whatever practices they may be such as starting a meditation practice or developing a healthy diet. This is the time to start! While many of us are probably a little nervous or simply going stir crazy from the disruption to our daily activities, we can channel this energy towards serving our selves. During our day to day living, how many times do we make the usually valid excuse “If I only had time.” Well at a very minimum many of us have an hour or two that we would otherwise be stuck in commute traffic to utilize towards creating and practicing those wish list items for ourselves. With so much of our lives being put on hold, it can feel like we are inside a slow-motion movie clip. This slowed down pace of life affords us the opportunity to reflect and act in slow and intentional ways. Time, as we all know, is the one resource that we cannot create more of so lets use it to create gifts for ourselves.
Some common goals we aspire for along with tips to help achive them:
I wish I ate healthier…
Well wish no more! Eating healthy starts with what we fill our pantry and fridge with. This is a great time to eliminate processed foods that we usually rely on during busy times as we know that they are not the best of choices. However, the convenience and habitual reliance on them was a good enough excuse to keep indulging. If your family members also aspire towards this goal of cleaning up their diet, make it a family affair. Have a good look at what kind of foods you keep and start making a list of healthier options you can replace those with. “Crowd out” the bad stuff with better choices. For instance if you tend to have a lot of fruity snacks, why not just replace those with actual fruit; If you reach for a granola bar in the morning, reach for a handful of nuts and dried fruit instead. Eat real and as minimally processed foods as much as possible. It helps to remember that we are creating strong immunities and bodies with better food choices. You will be surprised by how your eating habits will have transformed for the better within a few weeks.
I’ve always wanted to meditate…
Lets sit and meditate! We are all aware of the benefits of meditation and yet it is a hard practice to start and yet harder practice to maintain. Part of what makes it so hard is the fact that it involves not doing anything. Most of us are doers, achievers and problem solvers and we are conditioned to think moving and doing is always better than being still. Recognize that looking inwards is just as an important task we have to make time for. Again check with your family and maybe even convince them of the benefits of this practice and pick a time for all of you to sit. Pick a reasonable window of time to sit so that this can continue when life picks up. There are many free guided meditations on Youtube or paid subscription apps. Check with your health insurance provider and see if these subscriptions are covered. It might take a few tries to figure out what style of mediation works for you and your family.
I’ve always wanted to learn the guitar, learn a new language, learn to knit, learn more about investing (whatever you’ve always wanted to learn)……..
Part of living a fulfilling life is being able to explore new interests and staying inquisitive. Think of the things that you would do if you had less places to be and fewer distractions created by the social distancing we are practicing. If you can allot half an hour to an hour every day for this new hobby on your wishlist, you might just come out on the other end with a new skill. There are many paid subscriptions and free online material to pick up any of these skills. Who knows, you might unlock entirely new interests and abilities during this time of exploration.
I’ve been meaning to call so and so…
Pick up the phone and connect! Time differences, regular schedules of work and family can often come in the way of staying connected to friends and family in different states or countries. Now is the time to connect. Chances are they are also living in a slowed down pace of life so pickup the phone and chat away. This episode of social distancing allows us to catch up with friends we would not otherwise get to stay in touch with on a regular basis. Its always good to keep in touch, reminisce about our shared experiences, and let each other know how we still hold them close.
Uncertain and ever-changing times like this can wreak anxiety and chaos while leaving us feeling depleted. However, we have the choice to turn our attention and energy towards fulfilling activities that will help us stay clam, productive and positive. A slight shift in perspective will help us see the value of this slowed down pace of life.