How to Be Your Best While Doing Your Part:
Limit Screen Time
Too much of anything can be a problem. When you need an update on COVID-19, go to original sources such as the World Health Organization, the CDC, your state website or one news source. Getting every angle and every personal story can, over time, overload your brain. Try to stay with learning information about what is actionable and in your control. So, stay informed, but do not overdo it!
Move!
It doesn’t matter if you decide to find some Yoga online, take a walk or clean your space. Physical activity is any activity that works your muscles and requires energy.
Physical activity is important and can help to keep spirits up. So, get up and get going!
Stay Social
Just because we can’t physically see one another does not mean that we can’t stay connected. Now is a great time to pick up that phone and make a phone call. Catch up with a family member, old friend, or coworkers. Enjoy!
Learn a new skill
Not only fun to learn something new, but it can help your brain as well! Practicing a new skill increases the white matter in your brain. Also, learning new skills stimulates neurons in the brain which forms more neural pathways and allows electrical impulses to travel faster across them. The combination of these two things helps you learn better and may even stave off dementia.
If you don’t know where to start, here are a few skill areas to consider:
Speak a new language
Cooking – try a new cuisine or level of difficulty
Learn a new craft - Quilt, Knit or Crochet
Build a piece of IKEA furniture 😊
Please remember that it is the practicing and application of your new skill that gives your brain the most benefits!
Start a Gratitude Journal
This concept has been around for many years now. There is a reason. If you have never tried it, now may be your time. Get a piece of scrap paper and grab a pen. Put this next to your bed. Write the date and then under that line write three things every day upon waking or going to bed that you are thankful for in your life. It can be on any subject. Do this for two weeks. Now how does that feel?
Read
It doesn’t matter if you have been meaning to read for entertainment or for knowledge. It is always great to get some talking points or to get some new thinking fresh info into our brains. Now that you may have a little extra time, go get to that book that you have been meaning to read. And if you read a physical knowledge book before going to bed, you may even fall asleep easier. Why a physical knowledge book? The light from your devices can inhibit sleep and an exciting storyline may keep you awake!
Meditate
Not just for relaxation. Meditation is a great way to feel more connected. So, get online and find someone who can lead you through a mindfulness meditation session or find a quiet place and work on clearing your mind of thoughts. With practice, this is a way for you to learn to control your thoughts, decrease stress, become more self-aware and increase focus. And for those of you having trouble sleeping, regular meditation may help! Meditation takes only a few minutes a day. Why not give meditation a try?
Get Ahead!
If you want to get ahead and get rid of stress at the same time, get to a project you have been meaning to get to. It doesn’t matter if this project is for business, personal or both. It doesn’t matter if this project is one you are just beginning or one you have been putting off. You now have the time, so get ahead while removing possible future stresses before you are thrown back into your old routines!
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