ARE YOU THRIVING OR JUST SURVIVING?
This past year has been a challenge for all, to say the least. We have had to learn so much in a
short time, about technology, about health and about ourselves. Have you learned what is
important to you? Have you learned something about yourself that you did not know before
the pandemic? Did you find ways to keep stress down even with businesses closed and much of
our everyday routines disrupted? Who is important to you? How do you define wellbeing?
What is necessary? These are all questions that have had increased significance this past year.
Did you know that May is Mental Health Month? As a leader and educator in the wellness
industry, I wanted to share this article that outlines a few simple strategies for you and your
loved ones to cope with these trying times. Taking care of our physical body is huge. Supporting
each other is another powerful part of living healthy, balanced, fulfilled lives.
Below are a few things you can do to improve and maintain overall wellbeing, keep a healthy
mindset, and help support a healthy lifestyle:
1. Be Grateful~ Expressing gratitude, filling the heart with thoughts of thankfulness, and
being in the present moment are proven to improve emotional health. Grateful
thoughts improve how we feel and boost overall wellbeing, mood, and outlook on life.
Each week I post a Thankful Thursday thought on Facebook and ask the question about
what nuggets of the week have made your heart smile during Happy Hour Yoga on
Friday. Whether it is a thankfulness journal, affirmation cards or a silent thank you to
the universe, see if you can commit to bringing more gratefulness into your life.
2. Breathe~ Yoga has been proven to improve overall sense of wellbeing. Deep breathing
and meditation can help the body feel an overall sense of calm, give a mental recharge,
and improve attitude. One deep breathing exercise that can help you lower stress and
improve clarity is the 4,7, 8 breath. Inhale for a 4 count, hold for 7 and exhale for an 8
count. Repeat 4 times. When stress and emotions start to be overwhelming, JUST
BREATHE.
3. Move the Body~ It does not matter what the movement looks like, as long as your body
moves each day. The simple act of getting the body up and moving can help reduce
stress and anxiety, help insomnia, and improve confidence. Walk, Run, Dance, Garden,
any movement will do. Treat yourself to movement for at least 10 minutes or more each
day. Your body and mind will reap the benefits.
4. Express Yourself~ Get creative. Find the fuel that makes your heart sing. Everyone has
talents, so express yours. Release your feelings through writing, music, painting,
gardening, cooking, or limitless other forms of expression. There is NO wrong way.
Embrace your unique abilities and let them be known. Enjoy the process. If you doubt
where your talents lie, try something new.
5. Connection~ Healthy relationships are crucial to families, friendships, businesses, and all
other human endeavors, and can increase the enjoyment of life. Talking to friends and
spending time with loved ones, and feeling love is a key foundation to a calm and
healthy mind. Humans are not meant to be solitary creatures. Embrace technology, if
needed, to stay connected with those who are important to you. Talk about feelings
with those whom you trust. Share your struggles and challenges, and your victories and
joys with others. Connecting with others will help release negative feelings and promote
overall emotional health.
6. Fuel Your Temple~ The body needs proper nutrition and hydration to run optimally.
Eating whole foods daily is necessary. Eating organic as often as possible is important. A
good rule of thumb is to choose a wide variety of food from the 4 major food groups
and to try to eat all the colors of the rainbow every day. When the body is fueled
properly, cravings will decrease, feel more energized, you will be able to get better sleep
and feel good overall.
7. Self-Care~ Taking care of You is important and is not selfish. Self-care is critical to
nourish the body, mind, and soul. Feeling good about oneself will help manage stress,
improve overall mood, help reduce cravings, and build confidence. Self-care is very
individual: it can be a day of quiet, a few hours of being outside in nature, reading,
getting together with a friend, or relaxing in solitude. Whatever makes you feel good
and able to recharge for another day, is essential. Simple acts of self-love will give the
recharge and reset necessary to improve overall mindset.