- Meditation. Since going into quarantine, meditating has made a HUGE difference. I use the Calm App which helps me stay focused and track my progress. But there are plenty of free resources out there as well.
- Little Joys: I try my best to find joy in my little morning routine. Making coffee and reading a book while I drink it, for the first hour of my day, really helps me focus on whatever tasks I have ahead of me that day.
- Eating Well: This is SO important. I truly believe everyone’s food needs are unique to them. But eating a well balanced diet with food that fuels you makes all the difference. Also don’t be afraid to cook! It may seem overwhelming at first but google simple recipes. I promise you’ll feel such great accomplishment when you’re eating food you prepared.
- Stay Connected: this is a big one for me. I thrive on deep, thought provoking conversations as well as some harmless gossip. So calling friends and family to catch up to talk life and see how they are doing is important.
- Exercise: Let me say again EXERCISE! Having Barry’s at Home is giving me life again as well as running outside (around my neighborhood). Moving my body helps me process any stress or anxiety I may be feeling. Whether it’s 20 minutes or 50, getting your body moving will immediately help you feel better.
- Recovery/Stretching: I have had various injuries throughout the years due to sports or over use of my body. Yoga has been a big part of my ability to remain flexible. In addition to stretching I’ve started incorporating the HyperVolt from Hyperice into my nightly routine. It helps with really tight areas and shortens my recovery time from hard workouts.
- SLEEP: This one is the hardest for me, I’m a very light sleeper. I do my best to get at least 7-8 hours a night. This helps me focus and stay energized throughout my day. I suggest getting off your screens at night. I read to fall asleep, I usually only make it 10 minutes before I’m out.
- Music: I LOVE music. Whether it’s listening to classics like Fleetwood Mac and Etta James. Or discovering new songs/artist sent to me by friends who are much cooler than me. Or playing the piano and singing. Music brings me so much joy.
- Showers: This is one of those little joys again for me. If I’ve had a bad day coming home and taking a nice shower helps me relax. OR if I am finding it hard to motivate myself, I get up, shower and put on some clean clothes. Seems silly but it always works.
- Be Kind to Yourself: All these tips are versions of self love. You have to practice kindness and compassion with yourself. If I’m having a tough day, I do my best to think “how would I help my best friend if they called me to say they were feeling low?” I would listen to them, tell them I love them and say this is only a temporary feeling.
