How Are You Really?

How are you doing? I wanted to check in as, for me, it’s beginning to sink in that this is a marathon, not a sprint. My son’s school is now closed until May 1st. And that’s if we’re lucky. My neighborhood has started howling at 8 PM. It’s a nice way for all of us to go outside, check in with one another and connect. Similar to how they did in Italy and Spain. I guess, since I live in the woods, howling is the chosen form of expression. Regardless, we did it last night and it felt good.

I wanted to share with you some ideas I learned from Brené Brown’s latest podcast “Unlocking Us.” She talks about creating a gap plan for you and your support people, whether it’s friends or family.

Start with a check in with your group to see what percentage everyone is feeling. Are you on the edge with only 15% or are you feeling filled up at 80%? Once you have everyone’s number, whenever it doesn’t add up to 100% you need a gap plan. How do you fill that gap? What do you do to make yourself feel better?

Here are some ways you can energize yourself over this marathon and increase your percentage.

• Sleep 7-10 hours a night. Go to bed before 11 PM.
• Eat well. I know many of you have been baking and eating sweets. Do your best to stick to healthy foods. Sugar can deplete your immune system. Dr. Karen Wolfe is leading a 5 Day RESET sugar cleanse starting 4/6. Now is a good time to get off sugar.
• Schedule an appointment at your family health care center for yearly check-ups and immunizations.
• Exercise daily. Move your body in some way that makes you happy. This helps move stress and emotions that get trapped in your body.
• Use kind words. So many of you are on the edge. Just remember that many people are feeling fear and uncertainty at this time. So be kind.
• Whenever anyone apologizes to you, say “Thank you. I accept your apology.” If you say something like “It’s not a big deal or it doesn’t matter.” You’re not truly accepting their words. It’s very powerful to accept an apology. And, that goes for compliments as well. Always take it in and say thank you.
• Be okay with feeling fear or disappointment or whatever feelings you have. Brené says that if you judge them or deny them it creates shame. Listen to her podcast to get the full explanation.
• Reduce your news intake. Pick a source for news that is science and fact based. Check and limit the amount you watch and listen.
• Watch a good comedy or read a fun, uplifting book. Laughter increases your immune system.
• Take your probiotics, USANA nutritionals, and immune boosting herbs. Now is not the time to skimp on your health.
• Want a coaching session? Call or text me to schedule. If you have a life insurance policy, it may cover it. You can check here for reliable commercial insurance brokerage and other insurance solutions. I can help you with stress, anxiety, food and even teach you some acupressure.
• Follow along with my tapping to reduce stress and anxiety video.

Mostly, I want you to know that I am part of your support network.

Stay well and be safe. Donna