Making a Choice - SQUARE1WELLNESS

Needless to say, the last few months have been one big Covid Roller Coaster Ride. Writing from California we’ve had three months of lockdown with a start/stop reopening here since the end of June. The impacts, financially, physically and emotionally are enormous. Normal doesn’t exist anymore, as we once knew it.

So how does one move forward? Here’s what I see as questions to ask yourself from a common-sense perspective. The news bombards us daily with numbers/statistics and a heavy dose of fear mongering so stepping back and assessing your own needs might be a worthy investment.

Questions to ponder

What is your current health status, particularly metabolically speaking?
- If negative to the above what are you doing to change that, do you need help?
Are you able to improve or at least maintain a respectable level of exercise?
- If no on exercise, can you get some assistance for support?
Are you maintaining a consistent strong nutritional path?
- If no on the nutrition piece what can you do to change that?
Define your mental wellness tools, meditation, quiet time, outdoor exercise or other?
- Have you put them on your calendar for real commitment?
How can you safely start to build up more social contacts in your life?
- If no what is your plan to weave back in fundamental connections?
What sources do you have to help you return to your normal level of income?
- Have you defined new and or alternative sources with active time investment?

Ideas to spawn action

Financially

Let’s start with the financial piece first. As so many of us (present household included) the shut-down has hit incomes hard. It is stressful and challenging to every day stay active on building that foundation back up. Two things I’ve found helpful are committing to an online course for mental inspiration and second working with a previous colleague so “together” we can assist each other in creating projects that benefit both of us. While we know working online has pluses and minuses it is now here to stay, we all need to collectively support small and independent businesses just as if you could visit them in person.

Socially

As humans we thrive on social interaction. That has been eliminated from our lives. Finding ways to slowly build it back up needs’ attention. Yes of course by maintaining the new rules of safety in terms of distance and masks. But if we continue to go farther and farther into our own caves it will be harder to get out. Start small, investigate outdoor spaces and recreate your ties that were/are an essential part of your life.

Spiritually

Nothing in life happens unless we commit. Mental space, time to unwind without technology distractions and allowing your brain to decompress should be a priority with an actual date on your calendar. As more and more of life is online it is imperative to step away. If we leave it up to chance more than likely the time vanishes. It can be as simple as laying on the floor with your legs up on a chair or wall, sitting outside watching the birds and just about anything to take you away from a device and into a quiet space or outdoors.

Physically

The virus has exposed the incredible holes in our healthcare system as well as in the vitalness of having a healthy metabolic and immune system. While there is conflicting news on various fronts when it comes to lockdown efficacy, glove utilization and even numbers of corona cases, one thing remains constant, your metabolic health. If your immune system and overall metabolic health is compromised, you are at greater risk. Bottom line, whatever and however you can improve that status makes you at less risk, thus a WIN.

Simple ways to build that immune system up

Eat Real Food
Exercise Regularly
Remove as much sugar and insulin raising foods from your diet
Eliminate toxic vegetable oils from your diet
Get adequate sunshine (check out the app Dminder)
Lower your stress level

I totally realize that until we have policies and procedures in place to remove health inequities the above list is a challenge for many low-income families. That is and should be a goal as we move forward beyond the virus.

Keeping calm in this period is challenging. However, I also think it is important to not just read the numbers and rising cases but to engage and read diverse opinions on the topic. Then as stated in the title you have to make your own choices, based on your comfort level. Don’t let the headlines guide you, use your own common sense and gut.

Final words

Below are a few websites, bloggers, organizations and academics I’ve found speak with less drama and invite you to make your own conclusions. The links provided are just a sampling keep investigating.