5 Tips to Stay Healthy, Strong, and Inspired During This Time

With the gyms closed, fear of all the unknown, and social distancing being our reality right now, it's easy to get in a head-spin of fear and negativity. But we don’t want to live in that place for long or often, right? The research tells us, and I think we all know deep down, that —getting stuck in that will erode and might even devastate our mental and physical health. But we, like always, have a choice of how we will react to our situation. If we will stay down or if we will rise? We have an opportunity to make the best out of this situation and we ALL have it in us to do so! So let’s get some strategy and tools to stay healthy, strong, and inspired when we are confined to our homes.

1. Use your voice to lift others up! You never know when a heartfelt word of encouragement or showing up for someone in a time of need might stick with them for a lifetime! Just like my friend Megan’s words did for me. Also, don’t overlook that you can create a ripple effect that will keep going further than you can imagine!
2. Focus your efforts on what you can control. Take action on an area that you can control and let that empower you to keep going. Can you dance it out and bring positive energy to your next interaction? Try finishing this sentence: I will make the best out of this situation by…  And then do it. When I get stuck or when I’m coaching someone who feels stuck—getting into physical motion can help you snap out of the funk and wake you up to your power. So try getting a workout in, going for a walk, doing even 5 minutes of activity. It can be magic!
3. Fuel your body (and mind) the best you can. What we are consuming for our physical body and what we are consuming for our mental and emotional health matters! There are several traps I see people in the middle of and find myself in the midst of too at times. I will go through a list of ideas for you— give yourself some grace, find one that feels good to you, and be proud of yourself for even going “there.”
   1. Bring your awareness to what and when and how much of what types of food, drink, water, media you are consuming? It helps a lot of people to get it down on paper. Ask yourself some questions, one idea—does this feel healthy for me in this season of life right now?
   2. Another idea is what I call the “But First” principle. It goes with this idea if we can change just one thing, change what you lead each meal with for example, But First, I eat my veggies. And what we start our day with, and out of transition how do we start our next “thing.” Your day just goes that much better when you start your day with a workout for an example. 
   3. Start small. Remember something beats nothing every time. If you feel overwhelmed. Step back and go back to tip #2. You are stronger than you think. 
4. Move your body. If you are trying to change anything from your norm it can feel overwhelming. But we are not going to be overwhelmed. First access where you are currently. Then let’s dream and “try on” in our current situation where we want to be headed in regards to how we feel and the condition of our health. Will your path and parts of your plan change along the way?—yep! Don’t be stopped by obstacles, let those obstacles sharpen you. When the gyms shut down- try virtual options. When you can’t seem to do what you know you want to do? Get a coach, join a program that will give you what you need, find accountability in a community. If you have something physically you have to temporarily or permanently work around—know that there are options, choices, modifications. Keep showing up.
5. Share your gifts and superpowers. Because, yes you have them. And yes, we need your specific combination of talents, strengths, life experience, and passion to show up in our world ALWAYS but especially right now. What little or big thing can you share or offer or be available right now? If you are struggling with what your superpowers are, think about what your family and friends come to you for. What are the common themes and questions your clients and co-workers come to you for help with? Now it’s time to be brave, knowing that we need you to show up, so we can rise together. Because when you or I do this, it INSPIRES others to do the same!

I would love to hear how this was helpful for you, or what you need help with when it comes to your health and fitness during this time. My desire is this gives you the spark of hope and encouragement that you need today. I want to help you stay healthy and strong during this time! We got this!

​-Kiersten