8 Ways to Nourish Ourselves Right Now (and a few to support others at the same time!)
Life is taking on a different rhythm right now. No matter what this time looks like, it is probably not what you are used to and that sort of change may present challenges, tension and some adjustments.
Not only are we coming up on Mother’s Day, it is also Nurses Appreciation Week! In addition to May being Mental Health Awareness month, we have a lot of people to celebrate and a lot of reasons to care for ourselves in others. And even though our routines look different, there are still ways to care for ourselves and others!
So apart from accepting uncertainty and practicing gratitude, here are a few things that I have been doing to elevate my time at home. Do it for yourself or treat your mom or best friend for Mother’s Day!
Nourish your body with:
Clean products. I recently discovered the Italian hair care brand, Davines. Not only did I notice a noticeable difference in the smoothness of my hair, it smells amazing AND the brand recently launched their first 100% carbon neutral shampoo. Sign-up for their newsletter to receive free shipping. Clean products no longer perform inferior to the products we are used to. In my recent experience, they are actually better!
Exercise. You can still exercise, even in isolation. In many places, you can still go outside so a walk or run is perfectly acceptable if maintaining social distancing. Not only will you reap the cardiovascular benefits, but some sunshine and fresh air will do you good. Can’t get out? Many of my favorite studios are offering online LIVE classes. For instance, I have taken @barre3 classes in DC, NYC and FL while in quarantine and it has given me something to look forward to while maintaining variety.
Lots of greens: I recently discovered Sakara meal delivery and while it is pricey, there are a lot of principles that you can recreate at home. For example, they base their nutrition plan on lots of greens, vegetables and amazing vinaigrettes. I have never felt so amazing as far as mood and energy levels. The other great thing about all the greens! I am not hungry between meals so no snacking. I had never considered a vegetarian lifestyle, but this plan makes it easy.
Nourish your mind
Free Courses: There are so many free courses right now that some of our professional organizations are offering, so take advantage! For example, ISMP is offering professional development courses such as: Introduction to Health Care Leadership or Incorporating Mindfulness into Clinical Practice. ASHP is also offering a normally $425 critical care course for FREE through May 31st with code COVID-19.
Join a group: I wasn’t familiar with the term “membership” in the way that it is used now - meaning an online community. But after some research (and joining one!) I have seen a huge benefit from the support, resources, and feedback you get for all of your career minded questions - whether you want to go for a promotion, make a career pivot, have recently been laid off or want to start something on your own. It’s basically group coaching with like-minded people!
Reading. Reading has always been a way for me to relax, motivate myself and just learn (one of my learning modalities!) I love nonfiction and fiction and usually try to mix it up. What I am reading right now - Moloka’i, The Untethered Soul and Atomic Habits (I would love to hear your thoughts if you have read these!). I also have a free ebook that you can download on my webpage (wink, wink)!
Nourish your soul
Practice mindfulness: The Headspace app claims to reduce stress by 14% and increase focus by 14%. It may seem small, but I have been doing it before bed and have seen a difference. It does not hurt to try! And check out this page for a whole list of apps, many of them free, with resources dedicated to relaxation and coping with stress and anxiety.
Candle. This beautiful Kauai candle reminds me of my favorite vacation. I will be buying this for myself for Mother’s Day and relaxing in a corner with a book!