Embrace Your Inner Warrior

EMBRACE YOUR HEALTHY INNER WARRIOR

know a woman who runs through her apartment for exercise and logs a lot of miles this way. A minimalist, with few objects to get in her way, she jogs through a very small home. She also reads or plays games on her phone as she runs, staying in shape and not bored a bit.

I am not advising this as a way to get more exercise, especially for me. I KNOW I would fall. But it does make you think. How creative could we get with exercise and our mental health?

The reality is that we will have to continue staying home through this

If you realize that this time could be a gift, you may approach each day differently.

winter of 2021. We have logged over 300 days since lockdowns began in the United States. We are not amateurs anymore. We are warriors. And warriors need to stay healthy.

I reacted as many did when everything hit in 2020. Nervously over-eating, seeking information, listening to the news, freaking out and losing sleep. It’s been scary.

But there is always hope. Vaccinations have started. Many people have recovered and most of us have reprioritized what is truly important. Our health and the health of our loved ones is what matters. How do you stay healthy and keep your family healthy?

First of all, the advice we have been given from the beginning is the smartest. Wear your masks, social distance and keep contact with others to a minimum. Wash your hands often.

Then have some fun. You ARE allowed to have fun! Here are some ideas to get you started.

SLEEP is important both physically and mentally. Make a schedule for bedtime for you and your children. Stick to it. If you are rested, you will be stronger.

LAUGH A LOT. This is so good for your body and spirit. Funny movies, silly jokes, and chuckling help your body to relax. This may help you be able to fall asleep at night, which has been a problem for many of us.

TRY SOMETHING NEW for your body and spirit. There are many free classes online, including yoga, which is non-competitive and for all ages. Encourage your children to find new activities you can do together indoors.

Remember something very important too. This time, the present, is all we have. If you realize that this time could be a gift, you may approach each day differently. Start each day with gratitude for all you have and teach your children to do the same. Help them to be strong in body and spirit, and show them how we can all get through this together.

DANCE. This is fun physical exercise and music is a mood changer like no other. Get your children dancing with you. Teach each other new moves, which can get silly and lead to delicious laughter.

Happy New Year, Warriors!

BY DIANA FLETCHER

Kudos Magazine 7.1