Are you feeling like you are running on information overload? Same here! We asked our Area Director of Spa, Brisa Huezo, for tips on the art of staying busy and relaxed while we all stay safely at home.
Staying healthy and positive is crucial, especially now, and it’s important to look for ways to de-stress. I’ve compiled some helpful tips to help you maintain a Zen-state-of-mind while staying indoors.
Set a Schedule
Maintaining a sense of predictability for yourself and your family is more essential these days than ever before. I suggest creating a schedule for everyone in the household. This does not have to be an hour by hour scenario (which can cause even more stress), but more along the lines of “between the hours of X and X...” This is merely to keep some kind of structure and order in the house. You can assign blocks of time for studies, reading, play, art, outdoor activities and meditation, and the most important, HUGS!
Put Away Your PJs
You might not want to hear this but...try not to stay in your pajamas all day! Take time to dress up, even if that means your “cute” comfy clothes. The way we look influences the way we feel.The same goes for the rest of the family, it’s a way to easily uplift each other and instantly feel better.
Everyone Contributes
Even the smallest person in the family has the ability to contribute to the household. Keeping a checklist of everyone’s duties for the day or week is an easy way to keep stress at a minimum. If we don’t have to keep asking for things to get done around the house, the day can be less stressful and exhausting. In our home, for example, we “reward” completion of a checklist with a family movie and picnic in the living room at the end of the day.And so far, all the chores have been done – even by my 3 year old!
Mealtime
Keeping meals healthy is key to keeping your body as healthy as possible.Limit your amount of sugar (especially with kids … you know what I mean) alcohol and junk food. That means, try not to have wine until 4 p.m. if you can! Fruits and veggies contain tons of immune-boosting benefits. For example, carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin contain carotenoids to help make your immune system stronger.You can make a delicious and healthy soup with these ingredients, and don’t forget to add lots of garlic for added benefits. Pro tip: add a naturally fermented food to your diet.Think sauerkraut, kimchi, kafir, apple cider vinegar or plain Greek yogurt, to help strengthen your immune system.And bonus! Fermented foods help curb cravings for carbs and sugars.
Mind Health
If you know me, you know I will recommend a spa experience at home, any day, any time, but there many ways to keep your mind healthy. Try puzzles, brain games, or trivia. These are great ways to stimulate thought and creativity while keeping your brain nourished and working.
Fresh Air
It can do wonders for your state of mind. Take some time to go on a family walk for at least half an hour everyday around your neighborhood or parks.
Just Dance
This category made it to our daily schedule at home and is highly suggested! We dance to our favorite tunes around the house for 10 or 15 minutes. It’s fun, it’s silly and it’s great for boosting morale.
Yoga/Pilates
YouTube is loaded with yoga tutorials for everyone, and so many local fitness studios are taking the time to schedule daily yoga and Pilates classes on their Facebook and Instagram Live Pages. Some of our favorites include Sweat Salt (local Pilates studio in San Diego), Sweat In San Diego’s Facebook Page, OBE Fitness, Melissa Wood Health and Tone It Up YouTube videos!
Meditation
You don’t need much for this one, but it is so helpful to keep you and your family calm and focused.Apps like Calm or Headspace can guide you through easy meditation for all levels.
Journaling
I am a big fan of journaling. This is a mindful practice that aids in reducing stress and anxiety.
Sleep
At least Monday through Friday, try to keep the same bedtime. Avoid watching the news at least an hour before you go to bed and instead, opt for breath work to calm your mind and set the mood for a restful sleep.How about that book you’ve been wanting to read, and you haven’t had time for?Now it’s the time. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep for adults and 8-10 hours for the younger ones in the house.
Try to Stay Calm
For the sake of your health, your family, and everyone around you, stay calm.Stress and fear are contagious and disruptive. Shifting our focus and energy on helping those in need is a great way to aid others and gain personal fulfillment. Feeling a sense of purpose during this time and being part of the solution can bring joy to our hearts and energy to keep moving forward.
With love and gratitude,
Brisa Huezo
