Photo by Anthony Tran
Many of us have been social distancing for six weeks or longer. In my experience, some days fly by and others drag by. Chair massage is not an option at this point. The key to my success is to manage the day with a fluid schedule to allow for exercise, creativity, some work, and worthy household projects. As we all help to “flatten the curve” the weeks are mounting and it sometimes leads to a lesser evil: isolation, boredom, and idle ways.
Here is a short list of ideas to pep up your daily routine which has helped me during these past few weeks. Many social distancing at home have more time than in the past so changing our habits and routine will lead to promising and positive outcomes (right?)
- Appreciate your body for what it can do, and don’t hate it for what it can’t. We all have our physical limits- whether it’s running 1 mile or 26, swimming 50 yards or 5,000, or surviving 5 minutes of hot yoga versus an hour. We are all different and our bodies are capable of different things. Yes, push yourself if you are able and comfortable, but don’t get discouraged when you’ve reached a limit. You set a new goal, work hard, and improve over time.
- Tell yourself daily one attribute that you like about yourself. Whether it’s your hair, your nose, your feet, or your shoulders- there’s so much to love! Of course, there are going to be spots that you wish you could change (we all have them), but instead of focusing on the ones you dislike, get excited about the ones you do like.
- Surround yourself with positive people by phone, text, or social media. Suggest that others in your household do the same and it does not take long for the attitude to spread when spending so much time in the house together. Negative self-talk can be very deprecating and can easily worsen a mood. When you are surrounded by it (when people are talking excessively about calories, how “fat” they are, how they need to stop eating, etc.), it can take a toll on you and can encourage negative thinking within your own mind. Don’t surround yourself with people who make you hate your appearance; have friends and family that appreciate themselves and you just as you are.
- Wear clothes and accessories that make you feel good about your body. This of course changes day to day when social distancing! For me, some days jeans are more comfortable vs. exercise apparel. Everyone has a different body shape, and certain clothes are going to naturally fit some better than others. Don’t try to make your body fit the clothes; instead, make your clothes fit your body.
- Treat yourself. Do something that shows yourself that you appreciate your body for what it does for you. Self-care is important! Little things make a difference like soaking in a hot tub, preparing a special or favorite meal, painting your nails, etc. You can often be your own worst enemy; don’t succumb to the mean voice in your head that says you don’t look “right” or are “bad.” Instead, take a nap, relax, or read your favorite book. You deserve it.
Massage Kneads is a wellness corporation, and we want our clients, therapists, and readers to be well within all areas of their lives: physically, emotionally, and mentally. We hope that these tips might help you to make the MOST of the current situation so that when life resumes BACK to normal all will be rested, healthy, and happy. Appreciate others and your body for everything it does for you.
Massage Kneads will be ready to SPRING into action by offering corporate chair massages when the time is right for ALL. We miss you!
Call Massage Kneads a call at 410-989-3577 if you want to explore options for the wellness program that gives BACK when BACK in the office!
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