By: Lilli Rozanski, MS, RDN, LDN, Sports and Fitness Dietitian, Thibodaux
Regional Health System
We are all feeling countless emotions right now as we do our best to cope
during this time of uncertainty. You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious,
and fearful. How can you take care of yourself and others during this
challenging time? Thibodaux Regional Health System wants to remind you
that we are all in this together, and our Wellness Education Center is
here to provide you with positive information and tools that you can use
and benefit from.
Nourish
- It is so important to nourish our physical bodies now more than ever, not
only to support a healthy immune system, but also to ensure we are consuming
nutrients our bodies need in order to function at its best. This may be
a unique phase for some of us to shift from eating out to cooking from
home and using what is available in the pantry. For a few easy and healthy
recipes using pantry staples click on the links at the end of the article.
Exercise
- Just because we cannot go to the gym or our favorite class right now, does
not mean we have to miss out on exercise. Use this time to discover online
workout classes that you can do in your own home, in your backyard, or
at the park while still practicing social distancing. Because so many
people are working from home right now, many fitness apps and websites
are offering discounts on their services.
Mental Health
- Practice social media and news distancing or at least implement some boundaries
on time spent consuming content right now. It’s key to stay informed
with evidence-based and reliable sources, but some outlets may be adding
to the noise and not positively affecting your wellbeing.
- A reframe or perspective switch can be to view changes in our routines
and lives as a great opportunity to slow down and prioritize our health
and wellbeing, and to prioritize what matters most.
- Begin a practice of gratitude. It may not sound like much, but research
shows that a daily gratitude practice is good for us, helping to reduce
stress, sleep better, and stay healthier. For example, thinking about
the sacrifice of first responders, doctors, nurses and other healthcare
professionals on the front lines or the countless number of workers stocking
grocery store shelves gives many of us an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
- Go outside! Studies show when we spend more time outdoors, even just 10
minutes a day, it can improve our health, and decrease anxiety and stress.
Fun!
- Joy, happiness, and having fun are just as important to our health as good
nutrition and exercise. Be sure to make time for doing the things in life
that bring you joy and fun such as exploring hobbies you once did frequently,
picking up a new skill, cooking, getting lost in a good book, or listening to music.
Remember, let us all do our part to support each other during this challenging
time. Focus on gratitude and positivity, reflect, be mindful, and be resilient!
Pantry Staples
Recipe -
Skillet Spaghetti
Recipe -
Black Bean Turkey Chili
Recipe -
Chicken Quinoa Fried Rice
Recipe -
Broccoli Avocado Tuna Bowl