Can You Spare Some Time For Self Care?

In the past month all of us have experienced an upheaval in our daily routines. The ability to move around at will, go out to eat, see a movie, attend a sporting event or visit with friends and family has bow come to a standstill. We are staying at home, working via zoom or phone, trying to be creative in our kitchen and limiting our need to roam.

So how can we still survive and thrive during this especially challenging time? Thinking about self-care is not selfish but absolutely essential right now. Not only must we do our part to flatten the curve, we deserve to do the best we can to maintain our health and well-being.

#Maintaintosustain
Schedules are irregular, sleeping may be disrupted but some regularity and consistency in self-care can be constructive. Here are some things to consider
Think your drink- consistency with fluid intake
Sit down to savor and chew- you may have the time to enjoy rather than rush through meals
You may not be able to do your regular exercise moves, but if you so choose, you can move in place, in the safety of your living space.

#CreateandInnovate
Texture- add crunch to a meal with crispy vegetables, crumbled tortilla chips in a salad, nuts added to yogurt or oatmeal
Temperature- that hot pasta dish for dinner can be a delicious chilled pasta salad for lunch
Taste- consider a flavor station by adding herbs and spices as well as flavored vinegars, mustard, BBQ sauce or salad dressings to bring the pow to the palate

Find your #wealthontheshelf:
What can you pair with what you already have?
Side dish with: Black beans, salsa and  canned corn
Pasta dish with Frozen shrimp, frozen vegetable medley and frozen ravioli
Energy bites with Crushed cereal, peanut butter, oats, honey and raisins
Soup with Manhattan chowder, canned clams and a can of mixed vegetables
Snack of Baked Veggie nuggets tossed with Buffalo seasoning, and a plain Greek yogurt/ranch dressing mix dip
Main dish  of canned chili over a baked potato

#Becleanwithyourhygiene
Wash your hands frequently
Wipe down surfaces
Don’t share plates, spoon, cups, bowls
Wash fresh fruits and veggies under cold running water before eating
No eating out of the jar or double dips with the chips

#Expectationsrealizations
This is the time to redefine:
You may want to change the bar- not lowered but realigned
Find something that makes you laugh out loud every day
Reconnect with those that may live far away
If you are feeling overwhelmed or afraid, that is ok
Don’t beat yourself up when you have – “I can’t” days

This is not the time to self- bully or blame, be nice to yourself, it is one of the best ways to take care of your health

Stay Home
Stay Safe
Stay Well