Anything is better than nothing
Hello friends,
First and foremost I hope you are healthy and well. It's been a while since you've received a note from me. I've been thinking about what to write, but not sure what to say. Then I realized there is no "right" thing to say during this time. So I will just share my heart <3
I want you to know I'm thinking of you and that you are loved.
You're probably seeing social media posts about cleaning, reading books, learning a new language, knitting sweaters, sewing masks and everything in between.
Are these posts making you feel discouraged?
While I am all about making the most out of a tough situation, these productivity posts were making me feel like I am not doing enough. That feeling translated to I am not enough.
Up until last week I was still trying to "make time" to finish laundry.
This is a hard time for everyone. If you are able to learn French and it makes you happy -- go for it! But if you're just trying to stay healthy and hold it together. You're doing enough!
In the past few weeks I've discovered a few things that have helped me stay above water. Here are my three tips for staying healthy and sane during quarantine:
1. Gratitude. You've heard it before and you'll hear it again. Find things to be grateful for. Not just one or two things. I mean an extensive list. Get creative, detailed and grateful! This is the quickest way to change your mood. When you get outside for fresh air take a gratitude inventory. "Thank you grass, thank you shoes, thank you calf muscles, thank you birds, thank you breeze." Big or small reach for gratitude to feel good fast!
2. Release judgment. Judgment is exhausting. It's draining. And it's so low vibe. Please stop judging yourself. Please. So what if you didn't write a book, knit a sweater or alphabetize your spices during quarantine?! Stop judging yourself. Next up, stop judging others. Everyone is doing their best-- and so are you!
3. Move your body. Anything is better than nothing. Many of you might know that I am a Barre Instructor. I've been in the fitness industry for eleven years. I'm passionate about movement and the mental benefits of getting sweaty. In Barre there are a lot of challenging exercises! Some that make me question "is this even possible?!" One thing that I always say when teaching is "anything is better than nothing."
If we're doing single leg tricep pushups, you can hold a plank and I bet you will still be dripping sweat and making changes in your body! Anything is better than nothing.
There are an abundance of livestream workout options at your finger tips. If home workout classes aren't your jam -- put on some music and do jumping jacks to an entire song while you sing along! You'll get sweaty, elevate your heart rate, smile, create endorphins, lower your cortisol stress hormone, reduce the acid levels in your blood and it will just plain feel good!
These three things have been the key to my sanity. That doesn't mean every morning I wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed. Some days I stay in my robe until noon. Some days I get up, put on a cute outfit, and a full face of make up. It all goes back to balance.
I hope these three tips help you! If they do share this email with a friend. Reach out if you need someone to talk to! I'm only a message away. Stay safe and healthy my friends!
Love + Light,
Chelsea Zen
