Panicked

It is obviously a very strange and stressful time in our world right now. Everywhere we turn there is more scary news about the Coronavirus. And that’s causing a panic.

We should absolutely be taking this very seriously. It is a very serious virus and has proven to shut down entire nations. But there is absolutely no reason to panic.

I obviously life with anxiety. And I’m scared too because I have a compromised immune system.

I am also a realist. And I care about myself and others. So I am choosing not to panic. I am also choosing to self quarantine. You should be doing these things as well.

If you have anxiety, this is a challenge. So let’s talk about to make it easier.

Limit Exposure

I mean this literally by social distancing but I also mean in the form of a digital detox. Stay informed with reputable and real sources (aka stop listening to the White House), but limit the amount of negative information you are exposing yourself to. Log off social media where a lot of the information available is wrong. Turn the channel if you’ve already spent time updating yourself for the day. The more you take in the content that is negative, the more you will panic. Turn it off, turn off the thing that is exacerbating your anxiety.

Stay Occupied

Distractions are everything. Been meaning to clean out your closet and donate old clothes? Is that book your friend recommended gathering dust on your bedside table? Still have that Pilates class waiting in your DVR? Do those things. Choose positive distractions during this time. Do all the things we all put off in our regular busy lives. And if it doesn’t bring you joy, don’t do it.

Create a Safe Space

You’re going to be spending a lot of time at home. Put in the work to make it a safe and comfortable space for you. Prepare with the supplies you need (prepare, NOT panic), make a cozy space, clean and organize. Do everything you need to do in order to feel joy and calm in your space. The more you feel “at home” the easier it is to actually spend well, all of your time there.

Invest in the right kind of social

No, not social media. We are social beings, we need that connection. FaceTime your family and friends. Text with them. Send cards, emails, tag the memes! Continue to remain connected in a healthy low risk way to the people that are important to you. Even the most introverted person in the world is not going to survive with no human contact.

Keep moving

My fitness game the last week has been on point. Get outside. Go for a walk (if you’re in a suburban or rural area, city kids sorry - keep your workouts at home), sit outside, get a workout class in (virtually). Mental health is connected to physical health. Don’t sit too long. Don’t sleep all day. Get moving.

Eat healthy

Again, health body, healthy mind. You can still order groceries online. Cool healthy meals. Eat healthy snacks. You’ve got time to show your Pinterest board the recipes you’ve been saving are actually going to be out to use. Sure, indulge, but eat as healthy as you can.

I know, things seem bleak right now. Things are hard. They’re straight up not fun. And for a lot of people, they are terrifying. Show up for yourself and others by doing the right thing. Stay home. Be kind. Help others where you can. We will get through this, but we have to do it together.

Sustainability is haunting my soul

UGH. I keep becoming more and more educated on sustainability in all aspects of life and it’s giving me the most anxiety. Humans are sincerely awful at being mindful of our environment. Myself included.

The more I learn about how to be kinder to the plants, animals, oceans and forests around me, the more I take responsibility for change.

Admittedly, it is not easy to cut out some of the luxuries in life that I so easily enjoy. So I’m sharing some really easy ways to be mindful of sustainability as you live your life.

Eat Sustainable

Ask the restaurants you are eating in if they source their foods sustain-ably. Choose to consume more vegetables than meats. When you do eat meat or fish - choose cuts and types that are sustainable. For example, calamari is sustainable but a lot of salmon is not. This article also gives some great tips. Limit your food waste by using up all parts of the food as much as possible.

Shop Sustainable

I wrote a piece earlier in the month on how to shop sustain-ably but the short list is to shop brands that are committed to recycled products and limiting their environmental footprint or choose second hand stores to give pieces a second life. Here is an awesome list of great sustainable brands!

Drink Sustainable

Carry a reusable water bottle everywhere. Seriously. The gym, work, the airport, road trips - everywhere. Don’t use plastic bottles ever. I have no shame when it comes to this. I carry reusable water bottles with me on every occasion.

Travel Sustainable

I drive to work so I suck at this. But I also walk as much as possible when it’s possible. I am also big on public transportation when I’m visiting other countries or cities. Use your car as little as possible.

There are SO many easy ways to live a little bit more sustainable and to help the environment have a fighting chance. Small changes are HUGE. They add up. You can make an impact. Here is another article on 15 ways to help the ecosystem; just to give you some extra inspo!

How are you changing the world for the better sequins?