Entering Week 5 of Covid Quarantine

Happy Monday!

Looking back over the past week I have observed that while some things may be the same they feel so different. While most couples are getting used to spending more time together, Paulo & I are actually spending more time apart. We cannot virtually train people in the same room, so he goes to his “gym” and I go to mine. Somewhere along the way we trade locations, alternating between standing, sitting & pacing. We have never spent so much time NOT STANDING! And although we are not physically spotting or moving weights, we find ourselves fatigued at the end of the day. Both of us are finding that virtual training is mentally challenging: trying to be motivational and creative through a screen is very different. Still, we are both so grateful that our clients are willing to go out on a limb and do things completely different in order to keep in the best shape possible. I have to brag and say that some of our clients are actually finding themselves stronger and fitter from mixing up their routines and joining in my virtual classes!

During these crazy times when negative thoughts can easily come creeping in, I am trying to be proud of my smaller accomplishments. Going to the grocery, baking a loaf of bread, cooking a good meal and cleaning the bathrooms are not things I would ordinarily celebrate. Now I am trying celebrate these accomplishments with a thumbs up, a pat on the back or a “yea!” (Taking a page from one of my favorite blogs https://www.bjfogg.com)

There are also some blessings in this quarantine that I focus on when emotions go awry:

  1. Less Traffic (and in turn a great break for our earth! Have you seen some of the photos?)

  2. Seeing neighbors I have never seen and families out and about enjoying some time together

  3. More time to read, cook and pursue my long list of hobbies

  4. Less stress on my runs because I have nothing to hurry home to do

  5. Less urgency to “DO” everything on my to do list

  6. More puppy time for Sophie & Honey

  7. More time to communicate with all of my children

  8. More time to read and interact with my grand babies, virtually. This makes my day, every day!

  9. Reaching out to and working out with so many people far and near in my virtual classes. This really makes my week !

Small things make a big difference. What accomplishments are you proud of this week? Celebrate them with style! What blessings have you found during this quarantine that you can focus on when negative thoughts creep in? Make a list, add to it and take a look at it regularly!

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10 Steps Towards Better Self-Care

     Recently I posted 10 steps toward self-care for 10 straight days on social media.  I think these are important to remember, especially at this time of year when we over-schedule ourselves, attend more parties, the kids are home from school and we generally have less time for ourselves than normal. Think about them and see if they make sense in your life.

1.    Take time to laugh daily.

2.    Drink more water.

3.    Eat healthy foods.  Don’t skimp on veggies & fruits.

4.    Meditate or find alone time every daily.   Take a moment to notice your breath.

5.    Give more, but don’t be afraid to say no.

6.    Get up and move every hour.

7.    Be wary of those you allow in your personal space.

8.    Get to sleep on time.

9.    Exercise Daily.

               10.   Take time to be grateful.