Everything Is Shutting Down

Right now, we are all trying to live through these difficult times. We are forced to stay at home, some of my friends and family are now working from home, not visiting with family or friends many now are faced with home schooling their children and kids missing many special events graduation, dance recitals, prom, sports and parties.

They talk on the news about our new normal where we will have to not wear face masks then yes we are told to wear face masks, continuously wash our hands, don’t touch your face

If we dare to venture out most likely we will be at least six feet apart from others whether we are dinning out, getting a haircut, or even attending church.

Since wearing these masks I suffer from headaches, if I have to run errands and am gone for a few hours by the time I’m done, I have a headache. And explosive headache, I swear it’s because I’m breathing in carbon dioxide vs good oxygen.

Many now understand what it’s somewhat like to live with chronic pain or illness.

Often isolated.

Very little socializing, not working limiting your time out. Getting everything done in a day. Thankfully they don’t also have to live with chronic pain.

When we live with pain, much of what applies to the stay-at-home orders that are in place is exactly what it is like when pain invades one’s life.

To help through this difficult time of isolation, and for many increased pain, here are a few ideas you might want to think about:

Staying active:With many gyms and rehabilitation facilities closed, we need to find different ways to exercise so that we do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve.

• Take walks around the neighborhood or a local park.
• Meditate even 5 minutes just close your eyes and focus on your breath and don’t worry if your mind wonders, it will at first.
• Do simple stretches every morning and every evening.
• Get up and down from a chair 15 times
• If you can work in a garden
• Remember stay hydrated, especially if you are going to exercise.
• If you walk in the park focus on the beauty and listen to the sounds that are around you.
• Start a gratitude journal
• And remember you are loved.

Sleep: because many of us are not as active during the stay-at-home order, you may find it more difficult to fall sleep and stay asleep. 

• Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day
• Avoid watching the news especially before bed
• Avoid naps throughout the day
• Meditation helps to relax the body
• Read a book if you are having trouble falling asleep
• Avoid eating heavy and spicy food before bedtime

Meals and Eating Healthy : This is the time to test your skills in the kitchen while you keep an eye on your weight

• Now that you may have more time, explore new recipes
• Be mindful of over snacking during the day
• Try something new eat meat free meals 3 days a week or more.
• With spring and summer around the corner try some new salads for dinner
• Watch cooking shows like on Pbs or food channels for new tips on simple healthy meals
• Shop online for groceries and have them delivered directly to your home if possible

If you have to work from home I know you may feel closed in a bit more.

I always enjoyed that feeling when my day was over and just got home.

Working from home:

• Find a place that is away from televisions and busy rooms
• Make a set schedule for time to work and time to do household chores. Maybe your company already has you on a schedule.
• Don’t sit all day move a bit keep that blood moving. Do you know sitting is the new smoking?
• And if you smoke try to quit I did after 40 years you can do it.
• Right now if you have to work from home don’t smoke while you work. If you must smoke give yourself a smoke break.
• Get dressed everyday don’t work in pj’s or sweats.
• Use Facetime, Zoom, and other platforms to stay in touch with family friends and especially coworkers
• Try to stay away from snacking all day
• Get up and stretch every hour for at least five minutes
• Every 30 minutes march in place for a count of 100-200
• Make sure your workspace is comfortable and ergonomically correct
• Make sure you take the necessary breaks from work
• Remember you can do this.

Finally : Home schooling the kiddos Many of you find you are now the teacher

• Set up a place that is just for school
• Keep a daily schedule
• Connect with other parents and teachers if you are having a difficult time
• Use free educational websites and watch webinars on home schooling
• Audiobooks are an idea for Storytime
• Keep fun in learning with educational games, art projects and music sports trivia history flash cards.
• Breathe and keep your cool.