Adjusting to our "New Normal"
It’s almost impossible to escape right now. The news, your social media feed, texts from friends, emails from work. Every second of the day, thoughts of our world are circulating in your mind and making it hard for you to focus on ANYTHING.
If you’ve been mentally struggling these past few weeks, know that you’re not alone. Not only is our anxiety spiked, but our security and well-being feels threatened too. Things we’ve taken for granted, like a pantry full of our favorite foods and hanging out with friends, are among these new uncertainties.
We’re spending way more time at home, which can mean more time in the kitchen….which can easily lead to overeating and a rise in food anxieties, mindless grazing, and emotional eating.
Right now, that feeling of anxiety is more prevalent than ever. Urges to emotionally eat might be heightened and that paired with a less active lifestyle can make us feel like we’re losing every bit of control we have. I want to share some of my favorite ways to create some sort of a routine at this time:
Try to change your perspective on how you see this period of isolation. Rather than feeling like you’re trapped inside of your own home, remind yourself that this is the perfect opportunity to take care of yourself.
Stick to your normal routine while allowing for your plans to change. Avoid becoming too rigid, especially if you have family at home, things can change by the minute.
Take 5 first thing. Before checking your phone or opening your laptop as soon as you wake up, start your day with a calming routine. Sit somewhere that’s not your bed and set a timer for at least 5 minutes and think of what you are grateful for. There are also tons of great meditation apps out right now, check out this article highlighting some of the top apps! (If you've got a few more minutes to spare, I highly recommend this calming meditation by Tara Brach https://www.tarabrach.com/meditation-times-of-pandemic/)
If it helps, make a loose meal plan for the day ahead. Having an idea of what you’ll be eating, and doing a little meal prep, can make it easier to consume nourishing foods rather than immediately reaching for the snack cabinet every time hunger or stress strikes. You'll feel more satisfied too which will help you avoid grazing throughout the day. (My go-to source of inspiration for easy nourishing meals is at https://www.wellplated.com/. I made the chicken noodle soup yesterday in the crockpot and it was a huge hit with my family)
Go easy on yourself! We’re in a time like no other, it’s totally okay for you to have ice cream every night or eat more comfort foods that you usually do. Practice compassionate self-care. Go for walks, find yoga poses on Youtube (one of my clients highly recommends this teacher: https://www.heartandbonesyoga.com/), learn to bake bread, get crafty, turn on music and dance. Do anything that will provide a positive distraction from the stress and potentially boost your mood!
If you’re needing extra support at this time, reach out and we can find a time to talk. I'm here to support you during this crazy time. Just go here, fill out the form and I’ll get in touch with you ASAP to find a time to talk. Be well!