Top 5 Tips for Managing These Stressful Times

There is a lot going on in the world right now. So much has dramatically changed in our lives and it has brought us all such uncertainty about the future. The fear of the unknown is lurking all around us. The thing is though, we never know what is going to happen in life. I think we are all just so much more AWARE of that uncertainty right now (more than ever) which is causing anxiety, sadness, anger and fear to rise up within us. It is very stressful to navigate through these times because it is something most of us have never had to deal with before. We just don't know what to do and there doesn't seem to be one trusted resource we can count on (which brings even more stress to the situation). To top it off, it seems like every time you get on social media or watch the news there is some other negative story  confirming how 2020 is the "worst year ever". Unfortunately, this all takes a toll and causes us to shift to a more negative mindset. Every little bump in the road has turned into a mountain.

I know there are some really awful things happening and some people are in way worse places than others so I am NOT trying to minimize the impact of everything going on. I am so sorry for all of those who have been/are deeply and closely affected. 

What I AM trying to do is reach out to the people who need to hear this, right now.

Try to stop thinking of this year as a "whole" and instead, break it into little parts, then replace your "why is this happening to me" (victim/negative) mindset into a "what can I do to be in a better place" (creative/positive) mindset. Take each day as it comes. Each event, every thing you hear, take it just as it is. Don't clump it all together as more proof as to why this year sucks. Maybe it does...BUT there is good happening in the world too - and hopefully in your life somewhere as well. Once you are able to separate everything out, you can mentally start to handle it all a little better. It's okay if you didn't know what to do with yourself and have just been trying to get by for the last few months. I think now we all are starting to realize this isn't going to end soon so we are trying to figure out how to adapt. Aim to create your life this second half of the year, instead of letting it happen to you. Yes, there are still going to be a lot of things out of your control, focus on the things you ARE in control of. There are many things you can do right now to help change how the rest of your year is going to look and feel for you, but these are 5 that you can implement and feel the effects from almost instantly.

1. Nutrition. There has never been a more important time to improve your diet. When you eat well, you feel well and hopefully, can stay well. Maybe this is a good time for you to learn how to cook. It can actually be a fun activity by yourself or with the whole family. Aim to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and complex carbs and drink more water. Join a cooking class as an activity you or your whole family can enjoy!

2. Physical Activity. Getting out of the house (if you can) and getting some fresh air and activity is THE best medicine I can think of. If you can't get outside for your activity, find a way to do it inside! There are so many different options and you really don't need that much space or money. There are thousands of free workout videos and programs online, in magazines and even on TV! Just keep moving. 

3. Sleep. Nothing can make you feel better than a full night's sleep. Quality sleep can help boost your immune system, improve mood, increase productivity, help you to feel like you can handle the day and so much more! Who doesn't feel better after getting more sleep? Come up with a bedtime routine to help prepare your body for a restful night's sleep - set a schedule, do something to wind down for a few minutes that does not include electronics of any kind, avoid consuming caffeine in the late afternoon/evening and resist that nightcap.

4. Mental Health. Mental health is so important. It affects our thoughts, behaviors and emotions. Please seek professional help if you think you need it or know someone that does - click here. To improve your mental health you can meditate, avoid excessive alcohol or drug abuse, make time to unwind, connect with others, stay informed by RELIABLE sources, avoid too much exposure to the news and take a break from social media. I believe that everyone probably needs to take a break from social media right now. If you are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. and you don't feel uplifted, energized, and positive about the things you see - then why are you even on it? Delete it from your phone, put time limits on it or just cancel your account. Do whatever it takes to prevent yourself from being overwhelmed by negativity and unreliable information every second of the day.

5. Do Things You Enjoy. We don't know how long everything is going to be so different for, it is time we start to adjust our lives. Think about what makes you happy and do more of that! Find ways that you can enjoy your hobbies, spend time with family and friends (at a distance) or household members, start a new creative project, get a pet (or love on yours) and find at least one thing to feel positive or grateful about every day.

While we don't know what's going to happen, we CAN control how we respond. Take care of yourself, take care of your community. If you need more help than these tips can offer, please click here for professional help.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions or need help. I am always full of ideas.

We have stayed busy by cooking A LOT of fun (normally healthy, sometimes not) food, going walks/runs/hikes plus home workouts, working on plenty of house remodel projects, having a weekly socially distant happy hour with our neighbors/friends, video chatting with friends and family, buying a kayak for water adventures and I can't forget, the never-ending yard work. Our newest upcoming project is a fire pit so we can continue to stay socially distant outside with friends and neighbors even once it gets cold. While you should focus more on just enjoying each day, it's also good to think and (somewhat) plan ahead so you can have fun in your own way, even if it is going to look a lot different than normal (like the holidays this year).