K ee p C al m & S tay Z e n Hopefully you have read our earlier article to set you on the path to Zen, so now we’d like to also share with you a few lifestyle tips to help you through these strange times we’re experiencing at the moment; to further help you Keep Calm and Stay Zen.
Develop a structure to your day
Working from home is new for many, but even for those used to working at home having flatmates, spouses and children at home 24/7 is a new and challenging experience. Structuring your days to fit in with those around you helps bring a sense of organisation in the madness, and can also give you a sense of purpose and achievement. Be sure to get “ready” for work each and every day so that you begin your routine the same way each day. Avoid working in your bed or in pyjamas, as tempting as it may be. When the evening comes, if you feel that you have been able to complete your set tasks for the day, then switch off your work laptop, electronics and even leave your personal phone away from the bedroom before bed. Switch off from unnecessary additional stress. Do remember to only set realistic expectations, especially if you have children. Devise a schedule of who is working and who is looking after children when, and split household duties.
Even if virtual, connection is important. Keep conversations going, and remember the community you have.
Nourish your mind and body Do some meal planning, batch cook and freeze for easy meals and offer portions to those neighbours who might be in need. If you’re struggling to get your favourite ingredients or basic essentials, ask your neighbours if they would be open to swap or share some items. There are also plenty of natural remedies available to help you cope with feelings of overwhelm and stress. As you will likely know, stress can affect our mental wellbeing as well as our sleep, digestion, skin and overall health. Here are our top recommendations:
Vitamin D3
Exercise
Vitamin D is recommended by the DOH to be taken all year round! It is referred to as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ and is needed for healthy bones, joints, teeth, and the immune system but also for mental wellbeing. Research has correlated deficiency in vitamin D levels with symptoms of low mood and anxiety. Vitamin D has an important role to play in our overall health, and especially if someone is ‘self-isolating’; it is a nutrient you would not want to miss out on. Remember that even if the skin is exposed to the sunshine daily for a small amount of time, it is simply not enough to meet our body’s needs.
Vital for both your body and mind. Get outdoors every day to take in some fresh air and sunlight, have a change of scene, and come back feeling revived. For some of us, running or cycling are alternatives to walking, or just kicking a ball with your children in the garden. If exercising outdoors isn’t possible, there are plenty of online platforms offering yoga, meditation or at-home workouts.
Choose to do comforting things
There are many activities good for the soul and spirit. Cook and garden as a family. If uncluttering helps your mind, then go ahead and do that. Have a bath with some music or essential oils like lavender to help keep the mind calm. Do puzzles and play games with your children when you are the carer, or if older when they are taking a break from their homework.
Keep connected with others
Even if virtual, connection is important. Keep conversations going, and remember the community you have on your street or neighbourhood. Reach out to those who may need help with purchasing essentials, the frail and elderly, or those who have a smaller network of friends and family than you do.
Try: Nature’s Answer Vitamin D-3 drops, an easily absorbed and highly potent form, suspended in a base of olive oil. A serving of one drop provides 2000 IU and the recommended dose is to take two drops daily. Suitable for vegetarians.
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