This too shall pass: Tips to get through the COVID-19 Outbreak

Most of our lives have been impacted by COVID-19 over the last few days, and we hope you are all staying safe and healthy. We know this is not the 2020 vision you had in mind, and while it may seem like your goals are moving out of reach, they are closer than you think!

Times of change bring a lot of uncertainty; however, one constant is that you control your attitude and your outlook. It is up to you to choose positivity and to stay focused on the things you love. We can also take comfort in knowing there are still things we control about our day-to-day lives, such as maintaining a healthy routine. This is so important because keeping your mind and body healthy will not only help relieve stress, but it will also boost your immune system. Here are 6 ways to stay active and committed to your goals during this time of social distancing:

1. Think about your 2020 vision and break it into short-term actions. Small steps add up to big results. If your goal is to run a half marathon later this year, your short-term goal could be something as simple as “Move every day for at least 30 minutes”. Consistency in that 30 minutes of daily activity will contribute to those big results later on. Whatever your goals may be, make sure they are specific and write them down so that you are committed to them no matter the circumstance! This will give you a bigger purpose to work toward each day you are at home.
2. Create a productive, daily work from home schedule and add it to your calendar. There is a quote that says, “A goal without a plan is just a wish”. You can have all the plans in the world, but until you take action, nothing will ever get done. For example, if your goal is to move for 30 minutes each day, block off that time on your calendar every day for the next 2 weeks. If you have being active scheduled as an appointment, you are more likely to show up for yourself and keep it!
3. Find a way to get moving both indoors and outdoors. Whether or not your goal involves being active, exercise is known to boost your mood and your immune system. This extra energy will help you stay focused on your end goals. Although most gyms are closed and many races have been cancelled or postponed, there are still ways you can get active each day:
   1. Get outdoors! Go for a walk, ride your bike, or go for a jog!
   2. If a race is postponed/cancelled, check to see if they are offering a virtual option. Even if they are not, create your own! You can map out your route, track your distance with a GPS program, and share your results on social media!
   3. Find an indoor strength workout – there are many resources out there offering these for free to help people stay active. Many of these exercises are simple and can be done without equipment!
4. Take time to meal prep and get creative with healthy recipes based on the resources available to you. Food is fuel for your body, and it can either provide you with energy or leave you feeling sluggish. Although resources are limited, do your best to fuel your body with clean, whole foods that will leave you feeling energized. This may mean getting creative, but in general, the less ingredients and less processed foods you can use, the better. Take inventory of what you have on hand already and use this to plan and prep your meals for the week. If you are prepared and have a menu, you will be more likely to stick to the plan.
5. Set aside time for self-care. Block off time on your calendar for self-care each day. This could be meditation (many apps offer free guided meditation to help relieve stress), taking a bath, reading a personal development book, or taking a break from social media!
6. Stay connected with friends and family! Consider reaching out virtually on social media or over the phone. Phone calls are making a comeback because they are a great way to stay in touch with friends or family, without having to meet face-to-face. It is fun to get creative with this! For example, schedule a meal with a friend via FaceTime instead of meeting in person at a restaurant.

This too shall pass, and when it does, we will all come out stronger and more motivated than ever. Remember, we are all in this together and there are still plenty of options we have to continue to grow both professionally and personally. No one and no circumstance can take away your goals and achievements, so stay the course and let’s work together as a team to stay safe, healthy, and ready to take on our next challenge!