Finding a New “Normal”
This week, President Trump extended the isolation period through the end of April. However, it is going to take many months before we truly get back to “normal.” We are being thrusted into a new “normal” that we have little control over, and that can be overwhelming.
And not only that, but our normal schedules and daily routines have fallen by the way side. Those who are unable to work at this time, you can sleep when you want, eat when you want, and binge-watch as many shows as you want. Although this might be fun for a short period of time, most people need structure and consistency in their lives. Our bodies and our minds rely on patterns and routine. A lack of routine can lead to stress, poor sleep, poor eating, and unproductive time.
I am sure this virus has disrupted your old routine, but its important to find a new routine and a new “normal” in order to stay both physically and mentally healthy.
1. Set a schedule. It’s easy right now to disregard the alarm clock and pull the covers over your eyes as the morning sun floods into your room. But maintaining a consistent schedule, waking up and going to bed at the same time every day, is important. Our bodies have a natural rhythm, and just shifting our body clock forward or backward an hour can disrupt our natural cycles and impact our health. All the systems in our body rely on this daily rhythm, so make sure you are getting up close to the same time you were a month ago when life was “normal.”
2. Don’t skip a meal. Who doesn’t want to hear this advice! Scheduling your meals and eating at the same time every day also has health benefits. Digestion, metabolization of fat, and blood sugar control are all linked to the body’s daily rhythm. Interestingly, ancient Chinese practitioners believed that energy flowed around the body in parallel with the sun’s movements and that our meals should be timed accordingly. Our “shelter in place” status can lead to grazing throughout the day, but it’s best to stick to your usual meal times. It’s another good idea to stop eating after dinner…the sun has gone down, so should we.
3. Continue to dress for success. If you were working outside of the home before and now working virtually, make it a point to continue to shower, groom and dress in your work clothes. This will psychology make you feel better and be more productive when working from home. Even if you are retired or not working right now, consistent daily bathing and dressing practices sets up a healthy routine.
4. Maintain a consistent exercise schedule. Exercise is one of the best ways to keep your body and brain fit during this time. You must schedule time every day, or at least several days every week, to exercise. Whether it is stretching, doing some body weight exercises (pushups and squats), running up and down the stairs, going for a walk, jogging in place….exercise is essential for mental and physical well-being. If you don’t know how to fit exercise into your new “normal,” reach out to me and we can schedule a 30 minute consult to develop a home exercise program.
5. Keep your brain fit. Your brain, like your body, needs constant stimulation to stay fit and healthy. If you are unable to work at this time, learning a new skill can keep your brain sharp, abate stress and support overall mental functioning.
Staying on a routine is part of “self-care” during this time. Your body and your brain need consistency and certainty. Designing a schedule for yourself will allow you to create a sense of control during these uncertain times. We are all re-adjusting to our new “normal.” It is important to set up a daily routine that works for you and stick to it.
Want more information on how to keep yourself and your family healthy during these trying times? Check out the Pandemic Recovery Summit.
It’s a free, online summit designed to give you reliable information and valuable tips as you navigate through this extraordinary time in history.
You’ll hear from many experts on urgently important topics, such as:
- Nutritional health hacks to protect you from viral infections
- Dealing with stress and heavy emotions in times of crisis
- Knowing how to recover, and how to support others if they get sick
- The basics of transmission and incubation
- How to support your kids (and your sanity) during lockdown
- Protecting yourself from EMF while working and staying at home
- Turning on your natural “killer” cells to fight infection
- Food: Sensible and practical prepping for any situation
- The hidden dangers of blood sugar when it comes to immunity
- How to prepare for the pandemic without going off the deep end
The summit is online, so you don’t have to leave your home, but it is only free for the next few days…so register today!
Susan Brady
is a Physical Therapist,
Nutrition Consultant and
Doctor of Integrative Medicine.
She has been treating women with osteoporosis for over 30 years and is dedicated to helping people achieve
lasting good health and vitality.
Want to learn more about how you can improve your bone health? Contact me for a free 15 minute phone consult to learn more about the BONES Method™ and how it can help you achieve strong, healthy bones for life!
