THANKFUL FOR...
The year 2020 started off with a lot of excitement. The top New Year resolutions of 2020 included exercising more, saving money, eating better, losing weight, reducing stress, sleeping more, sticking to a budget, spiritual growth, improving relationships, spending more time with family, making new friends, finding a new job, volunteering, travel, and learning a new skill.
As a health, fitness, nutrition, and meditation expert, I was impressed that people went beyond imposed limitations and started thinking of evolving toward a conscious awakening! A greater meaning was behind these resolutions—one with exhilaration, excitement, and dedication unlike anything I had ever seen before.
More people were sharing and encouraging their families, friends, and communities to make lifestyle changes together. The methods may have been different for each person, but the objective was the same—to take better care of our bodies, minds, and spirits.
Change was in motion! You could physically see the difference.
Then a pandemic brought us to a halt, turning our lives and world upside down.
Just like that, goals and convictions were no longer priorities. Most of us went into survival mode, focused on keeping our families, friends, and communities safe and healthy.
Every night, I went to bed with hope and woke up with a positive attitude. However, after watching the news or scrolling through social media, I’d feel an overwhelming sadness and numbness, which I struggled to shake. Even with my 20 years of experience, training, and education, I fought daily to find strength to spread more love and light during this darkness.
I did what I believe was best for myself and family, but I’d be dishonest to say it was easy. My heart still hurts as I watch this tragedy unfold, affecting our humanity.
Stress, depression, and anxiety levels are high. Isolation makes us feel alone, adding to worries over finances, health, and loved ones. This can change sleeping patterns and eating habits, and increase alcohol and smoking use, thereby exacerbating chronic health problems and mental health conditions.
It’s important to remember we always have a choice, even if it feels like we don’t. We have control over our thoughts and actions. We can choose to act out of fear or love. No matter what you choose, remember that we’re all searching for the same thing: bliss.
This year hasn’t turned out the way any of us could’ve ever imagined, but we can press forward, doing our part to enrich ourselves and others. No matter what we’re personally experiencing, the majority of our communities have come together, doing what’s needed to survive.
Whenever I feel lost, journaling, moving, nourishing my body, laughing, praying, and meditating always help me find my way.
I have developed a simple technique to help my clients manage their inner struggles. This daily practice can be done anywhere, anytime!
Stop when you notice negative thoughts coming.
Say a positive word that makes you feel good.
Repeat it several times.
For example: “love” and “peace” are two of my positive words. Love conquers all and creates bliss within me, as it replaces any fears or indifferences I may be experiencing. Peace brings me freedom from any disturbances, creating calmness and tranquility within.
At first this may seem basic, but it sets the foundation for achievable change. What else can you do on a daily basis? Below are some ideas to help.
BREATHE, MEDITATE, AND PRAY
Use the method above.
Stop and breathe whenever you feel overwhelmed, sad, etc.
Download a meditation app.
Watch an online sermon.
EXERCISE, MOVE MORE
Pick something that excites you.
Support and use online workouts.
Go for a walk. Don’t underestimate the effectiveness of walking.
Stretch! Stretching helps your joints move through their full range of motion, reducing risk of injury.
EAT HEALTHY, WELL-BALANCED MEALS
Add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.
Don’t skip meals.
Don’t overeat due to stress or fatigue.
Take one unhealthy item out. Add one healthy item.
GO OUTSIDE
Walk, hike, garden.
Look at water bodies, trees, the sky, birds.
The health benefits of simply being outside are plenty, even if it’s your porch or backyard.
GET ADEQUATE SLEEP
Staying on a schedule brings back structure and normalizes your life.
Sleep is vital for mental and physical health. Sleep deficiencies are linked to increased health issues.
START SOMETHING NEW
A hobby, project, journaling, or a new ritual.
Read for pleasure. Pick up that book!
LEARN SOMETHING NEW
Study places, people, and subjects that interest you.
Sign up for an educational class.
REDUCE UNNECESSARY STRESSORS
Evaluate your daily routine, then remove or reduce anything that creates stress.
Make your home your sanctuary.
Pay attention to your environment. Try to avoid unhealthy places.
Keep up regular medical/dental checkups. Tests can help identify problems or underlying health issues.
Mend or create space from unhealthy relationships. Communicate openly, without judgment, and make time for healthy relationships.
Take a look at your finances and create a budget to ensure you’re living within your means. Find small ways to secure a financial safety net.
It’s okay to remove yourself from stressful situations. Find the nearest place to catch your breath and reset.
JOIN OR CREATE AN ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP
A book, Netflix, or movie club, Zoom Happy Hours, friends and family night, game day, or children’s play times.
Fitness, health, or financial accountability.
STAY CONNECTED
Call, text, or video call friends, family, or someone you’ve wanted to connect with.
Connecting reminds us we’re not alone, which is vital for mental and physical health.
KNOW THAT PHYSICAL TOUCH IS INVALUABLE
If you can safely hug, hold hands, give/receive a massage, or help someone stretch, do it.
It’s the fundamental way we thrive, communicate, bond, and trust; it helps decrease disease and verbal and physical violence.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO SEEK HELP
See a professional, if needed.
Call a support hotline or a friend.
Think basic and simple. Try not to look at these items as actions you have to do, but actions you get to do! It will keep you and your loved ones safe and mentally and physically healthy. Start by adding one item at a time or make small changes in a few areas, increasing with each week. If you’re already doing the aforementioned items, keep going! To keep the momentum, add in challenges or try something new outside of your comfort zone.
If you made 2020 New Year resolutions, revisit them. If you set goals, set them again by finding new ways to achieve them. If you prefer to live in the moment, go for it! During this life-altering pandemic, having dreams, aspirations, and things to look forward to each day can give us a reason to do what is needed.
Be thankful for yesterday. Live today. Anticipate a better tomorrow.
SHOP THE FEATURE
Health & Fitness Editor Dina Juve
Dina Juve
Health & Fitness Editor
Dina has been in health and fitness for over twenty years. Though based in California’s Central Valley, she is globally known as a fitness guru, transformation expert, weight loss specialist, and meditation teacher.
