Katie Corbett is a member of the Mt. Gilead Board Of Directors, mom to 8 children, and CEO of Health, Wellness, and Chocolate where she helps moms lose weight for the last time. She is passionate about raising children in our current day as well as encouraging moms with the balance of parenting and healthy living.
Back in early March, I had spoken at a homeschool conference titled “Refresh”. It was so nice to get out to a conference and I was so excited to speak on the topic of “Self Care For The Busy Mom”
One tip I always share is to guard your mind, especially when it comes to the news and social media. There have been countless studies done now on how social media can lead to feelings of inadequacy and increased risk of depression. And understandably, we compare our everyday lives to the highlight reel that is social media and that will always leave us feeling as if we are coming up short.
But the news this year has been full of stories of an enemy that can’t be seen and is no respecter of persons. I’m talking about Covid-19 or the Coronavirus as it is more commonly known.
Typically, we panic and have anxiety over situations in which we feel we have no control, and this recent outbreak is no exception. Except, what if you could take a proactive approach instead of a reactive one?
Being proactive is not hiding in fear but rather, noticing the situation and responding from a place of power and control as opposed to feeling helpless and reacting.
Knowing God is in control is quite a comfort. He knew this was going to happen and will see us through the storm. He has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind- 2 Timothy 1:7.
When we allow our minds to focus on situations and circumstances we can’t control, our anxiety builds and we begin to feel stressed.
When your body reacts and feels stress, your ability to make a wise plan is greatly diminished.
Here are a few simple, practical things you can begin to do today- to improve and safeguard your health because a healthy body is better able to fight germs and a healthy mind will make better choices.
Spend time in fresh air, and sunshine. Absorb vitamin D! A study out of the University of East Anglia found that people who spend time in nature have reduced risk of type ll diabetes, cardiovascular disease, premature death, preterm birth, stress, and high blood pressure.
Make a plan to move your body. Do this in a way that you enjoy getting physical exercise. Movement not only reduces your risk of diseases mentioned above, but it helps with improving mental health and reducing stress which is really helpful right now.
Get enough sleep. Besides the long list of the health benefits of a good night’s sleep, which is so important when trying to maintain optimal health, a good night’s sleep helps you cope better with life. We don’t know exactly how this virus will play out just yet but we do know that a good night’s sleep is a fantastic hedge against so many health issues. Turn off the news, wash your hands, go to sleep.
Put together a good support system, now. Isolation and feelings of loneliness are detrimental to good health. Even in the age of social distancing, you can still call/ text or facetime and check in on friends and have a quality connection without physically being together.
Eat real food- reduce processed food. Your body was created to fight germs, but it needs to be fed the most nourishing food you can afford in order to work at optimal levels. Try to reduce the chips and cookies right now and choose the citrus fruits. Not only are these high in Vitamin C but studies have shown that the smell of Citrus actually reduces stress.
Reduce your body weight by 5-10%. By doing this you can ease the pressure on your joints, reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, reduce the bad cholesterol, and raise the good cholesterol. That lost weight also improves sleep quality, reduces insulin resistance, improves your mood, and reduces inflammation.
Always keep your perspective. Remember that we don’t know what the future brings.
We do know that every generation has had its own share of trials and while you may feel helpless, just know you can take steps to improve your health besides hand washing.
