It’s very easy to slip into a depression, hit the junk food and go into hibernation from exercise during this crazy time but what good is that going to do for us in the end?  Being back at square 1, feeling unfit and unhealthy, trying to climb the steep ladder again is just going to cause unnecessary new stress and anxiety. It’s not worth it! Now is the time when we should be moving more,  boosting our immune systems, eating healthy, and managing our stress more than ever for both physical and emotional well being

We will get though this, and as a lifestyle coach, I am also here to help you, keep you motivated and accountable, but instead of giving into emotional eating and negativity, let’s focus on the positive aspects of the situation and yes there are many!  So let’s keep calm, stay strong and healthy and ride the storm together as best as possible until it’s all over

There is still plenty to be positive about and lots to be grateful for and smile about:

• Less traffic on the roads means less road rage, stress and maybe an extra 30 minutes sleep in if you are still working in the office
• If you are working from home now, yay no traffic commuting to and from work – this means you can use your extra time more productively and effectively to get through your work load, catch some extra zzz’s or squeeze in a home workout session during the day
• Working from home and don’t need to video call anyone for a meeting means you get to work in your PJ’s or more comfortable clothes – bonus!
• Some extra time means you can catch up on a good book you’ve been wanting to read or a Netflix series you haven’t yet watched, get to sleep a little earlier, enjoy quality ‘me’ time if you enjoy being on your own or spend quality time with the family that maybe you don’t normally get to do
• You can catch a little bit of healthy Vitamin D if you are normally stuck in the office and never get to enjoy some sunshine

So if you feel like caving into emotional eating and sinking into a depression STOP! DON’T GO THERE! It’s not all doom and gloom. We can get through this together. Starting right now, make a commitment to yourself and be accountable to others to keep on the path of physical and emotional health

TIPS TO STAYING POSITIVE & ON TRACK

• SLOW DOWN 

If you feel like you are normally on a constant hamster wheel, use this time when there is less traffic and people around to slow down the pace a bit and self reflect

• EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT

Work smarter to reduce your stress levels.  Especially if you are working from home now, schedule your day to manage your time effectively.  Break your day into work time, scheduled meetings, exercise or family time and stick to it, you will be surprised at what you can fit into a day and still manage your stress.  If the kids are at home be sure to set clear ground rules for work and play time. You still have a job to do after all

• KITCHEN MAKEOVER

More than ever, this is the time to focus on good nutrition.  Stock up the kitchen with plenty of whole, minimally processed healthy foods that are convenient to prepare or eat on the go. The rule is that if there are foods that tempt you around which we call ‘red light’ foods, you are most likely going to eat them eventually.

On the converse, if there are healthier options around, ‘green light’ foods, you will eventually eat those.  So why not set up a safe and trusted system while you are spending more time at home – stock up on those ‘green light’ foods, toss the ‘red light’ foods and you will be less likely to give into emotional cravings if those tempting foods are not close by

• STAY CONNECTED

Unless you are one that likes a lot of ‘alone’ time, social distancing can be a very lonely time.  As humans, we need to feel connected with each other for our social and emotional health.  Use platforms such as Face-Time, Skype or the old fashioned phone call to stay connected with friends and family if you are unable to meet up with them in person during this time. If you are able to meet, go for a walk together out in the fresh air to avoid crowded public places

• KEEP MOVING

It’s important to keep those ‘feel-good’ endorphins pumping whether it’s a home workout, an online workout, a walk or a run.  Unless you are feeling sick, exercise is one of the most important things not to give up right now.  Not only does it keep us strong, healthy and fit but it also helps to reduce our stress levels and keep us mentally strong especially if you struggle with depression and anxiety.  So schedule a set time, lace up those shoes and get moving!

• GET ENOUGH SLEEP

Getting enough shut eye is important to help boost our metabolism and immune system , reduce stress, improve mental health as well as our coping mechanisms.

With less traffic freeing up a bit more time during the day, as long as you are scheduling your day and time effectively, there should be enough time in the evening to enjoy those Netflix series and still turn off all social media and TV early enough to get a good night’s quality sleep ready to wake up to start the next day fresh and mentally prepared

• HELP WHERE YOU CAN

Help others if you can in this situation for example, the elderly with buying groceries.  By helping others, we can uplift their spirits as well as our own during this challenging time

So let’s try to focus on the positives, keep moving forward and come out stronger on the other side when this madness is all over