Wellness During COVID-19

A Covid-19 Reflection:
We, and the "entire world" have been invited by Covid-19, to stay-alone, to keep ourselves quietly
separate from one another as often as possible. Now, month after month unaware of the increasing
number of months yet possibly awaiting us, we begin to wonder what desire God is placing within
our quiet minds and hearts. During our "staying-alone and the quiet times" we can pause in the midst
of a paused world. It is then, in this quiet pause we can invite God into the quiet of one's heart while
being selective in new ways of being for one another and for our earth.
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Relieving Stress during COVID-19 Times

Since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic, many of us will be self-quarantined in many homes for many weeks. For many travel plans have gone and indefinite isolation and information overload may be causing some feelings of anxiety and isolation.

Here are a few ideas you can try to help you cope and feel normal:

• Maintain some structure during these unprecedented days. First try and stick to a routine, it may be easier. If you work from home, it may tempt you for a more lethargic lifestyle. The key is to wake up and go to bed around the same time, eat healthy, shower and get up ready in the morning as usual.
• Breathing exercises are helpful with anxiety. Inhale slowly and deeply your shoulders relaxed. Exhale slowly through your mouth. As you blow out, keep your jaw relaxed.
• Eat a healthy snack. It can be hard to pass on sugary donuts or salty foods that are not good for you and will make you feel worse. Eating a balanced diet comprised of fresh, whole foods improves mental well-being and brain health.
• If done correctly, there is great power in a well-timed nap. Naps can recharge your personal energy battery, boosting alertness and increasing your midday focus. Power naps should not be more than 10-20 minutes. This is because you stay in the lighter stages of sleep.
• Take a break and listen to calm music which has a positive effect on the brain and the body. It can lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol, a hormone linked to stress.
• Drinking a cup of green tea in the morning or midday. It has less caffeine than coffee and contains healthy antioxidants.
• Running in place for 5 minutes or doing a couple of simple stretches can get the blood pumping and offer immediate relief of stressful situation.
• Sunlight and darkness trigger the release of hormones in your brain. Sunlight boost the mood and helps a person feel calm.
• Cultures around the world have used water for centuries to treat a variety of health concerns. This is known water therapy. Hydrotherapy includes saunas, steam bath, foot baths whirlpools and cold showers. This increase circulation and make your muscle less tense.
• Finally, cleaning can make you feel less anxious. Cleaning provides relief from clutter. By keeping everything neat and in its place, you will feel more in control. Cleaning and mindfulness can be a form of meditation.

Peace, Love and Good Health

​Anita