Are you feeling a little stuck? In these times we all are reaching towards things that bring us comfort. Seriously, I think about chocolate and peanut butter constantly and in uncertain times it makes sense that we would self-soothe. Liquor stores are still as busy as ever as we cope with the financial, existential, and global crisis… not to mention, the health crisis. I’m certainly not here to tell you what you should, and shouldn’t, be doing; however, after a while our bodies crave some balancing forces. Check out these 5 tips!
1) Create boundaries – I know this might seem contrary to the initial pandemic response of “connect with as many people as you can!” With everyone home, and on their Zoom accounts, it is easy to suddenly become super busy. Be very careful with how thin you spread yourself. One of the most important lessons we can learn is how to say no. A helpful hint is to set certain times during the day which are best for you to interact with others. This will be different for everyone but make sure it’s a time that you will be able to give your best attention. Also, decide how many hours a day you will dedicate to virtual chats or phone calls. It’s so important to connect with people but just make sure you you are going to turn off the phone or laptop at some point. Go for a walk or snuggle with a loved one!
2) Dry brush-Believe it or not we hold onto old skin cells on the surface of our skin. Our skin craves stimulation and cleansing especially if we are struggling with dehydration, fatigue, stress, and toxin consumption. We have a layer of dead skin cells sitting there which hold in toxins. Dry brushing is a great way to remove the dead skin, stimulate blood flow and lymphatic cleansing of the skin, clear toxins, and stimulate turn over of stagnant cells. My favorite time to dry brush is just before hoping in the shower. They come in mitts or actual brushes with a handle and you want to go from fingertips/toes up towards your heart. It’s all about stimulating flow back to your heart so that your circulation can cleanse the blood. Your skin will feel so silky!
3) Watch a funny movie – I just found one of my favorite movies on my smart TV…Encino Man!!! There is nothing a good Pauly Shore movie cannot cure for me personally, and I forgot how hilarious his movies are. Whatever your favorite may be just throw that sucker on and laugh out loud! Intentionally unplug from your social media and all the to-do lists. Laughing with your family is so good for bonding and giving levity to any situation.
4) Eat detoxifying foods – Pay a little extra attention to foods that will help your body get rid of toxins. Cilantro (coriander) is a very potent heavy metal chelator and has been shown to help the body get rid of heavy metal deposits. Hello chips and salsa…And guacamole! Fermented foods are another great way to get a healthy dose of probiotics which add an abundance of good bacteria. A healthy intestinal flora improves the gut lining’s immune system which can protect from leaky gut syndrome. For more recommendations check out this great article from Mind Body Green.
5) Bounce on a trampoline – I kid you not (no pun intended) this is a ridiculously easy way to turn that frown upside down. I know this from personal experience when I bought a mini trampoline (rebounder) for exercise. The moment I stepped on it I started smiling and then laughing at myself. We then bought a large outdoor trampoline for my kids and I immediately saw their moods lifted! Aside from the mental health benefits there are several physical benefits noted. Studies have shown rebounding to increase overall health in women. In another study just 30 minutes, three times a week, has been shown to improve insulin resistance and lipid profile in diabetic patients. I personally recommend it for patients due to its effects on the lymphatic system to improve the pump system throughout the entire body. As of yet, there are very few scientific studies to support the association and this largely anecdotal at this point- but, since it has had such a profound impact in my life, I felt the need to include it.
I hope this gives you some inspiration to continue tuning in to your inner voice to find what you need! I’d love to hear how you are finding “balance” in this current time. Send me a message and let’s chat!
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