Many of us are suspended in a swirl of emotions. While most try to remain optimistic, helpful and patient, there are still the feelings of anxiety, fatigue, unease, and apprehension that creep in—all of which can zap one’s energy. And it’s completely understandable.
A virus that has now disrupted the core of everyday life for more than five months is fueling economic instability. Sightlines to a COVID vaccine and treatment are blurred. Social unrest is highlighting a broken aspect of our society–from the me-too movement to protests supporting ethnic and gender-based minorities—people are seeking resolution here and now.
Is your anxiety up and your energy down? Are you working to stay engaged as you work remotely or apprehensively go to your place of work? Are you staying engaged with your family, present for children and parents and working through your own emotions?
It could be time to include additional coping tools to help you stay centered as you navigate complex decisions on the road ahead and continue to take care of yourself and those around you.
Here are ideas designed to energize, refresh, invigorate, and relax. I challenge you to try at least one that is outside your comfort zone, one step outside of your comfort zone is where learning and growth come. Let me know what you tried and how it worked.
Refreshing Herbal Tea
If you have an herb garden use it. If not add to your next grocery list add:
- Mint
- Lemon balm
- Lavender
Take a handful of these herbs and a few chunks of uncrystallized dried ginger slices. Put all into a wide mouth tea pot or pitcher that can withstand boiling water. Add boiling water. Let this mixture steep for several hours. Put the tea pot or pitcher in the fridge. Guaranteed to refresh!
Energizing Quinoa Crunch
cook 1 ½ cups dry red quinoa according to package
Mix in a handful (right before serving) of:
Sunflower seeds
Pistachios
Chopped pecans
Sliced almonds
Pumpkin seeds
Dried cherries
Dress with olive oil, lemon juice and Himalayan pink salt.
Invigorating Walk, Walk, Walk
Walking boosts blood flow to the brain, decreases stress hormones and releases endorphins to improve mood, and it’s also great for your waistline!
Relaxing Essential Oils
The unique blend of essential oils can help calm the mind and relax the body after a long, strenuous day. Essential oils can be applied to the crown of your head, behind the ears, to your neck, and to your temples. When essential oils are applied to your body it takes 22 seconds for the molecules to reach your brain, 2 minutes until they are in your bloodstream and within 20-minutes they impact very cell in your body. Just exhale and relax!
There’s one final suggestion to help you stay connected: Smile!
F. Scott Fitzgerald said it best…”It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like morning light, it scattered the night and made the day worth living.” Facetime, text, or zoom a smile. You and those around you will feel better about nearly everything.
