In a time of national uncertainty, it’s up to all of us to work together to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Many of us are being encouraged to “social distance” — maintain six feet of distance from other people. Thankfully, with spring has come better weather and now is a great time to keep your spirits up by getting outdoors.
Taking time for yourself can improve your state of mind and boost your immune system. Studies have shown that stress reduces your body’s ability to fight infection.
Reduce Stress. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the bad news, dire predictions, the to-do lists that never seem to end, AND the fact that the kids are home (all. the. time). Take your yoga mat outside, sit in a comfortable position and allow yourself to focus on the sounds and smells of nature while gradually pushing out the negative thoughts brought on the blare of the TV or the yelling of kids. Step out of the craze and allow your mind to recharge. Take in the oxygen that nature is producing every moment; nature and wildlife are known to reduce stress hormones in the body and uplift mood.1
Get active. You’re out the door; the whole world lies in front of you. So start moving! Physical activity has wide-ranging health benefits. Not only does putting your body in motion improve conditions such as cardiovascular health, it also stimulates the mind and can help you feel that much more focused when you return to your day-to-day activities. Just make sure to keep a safe distance — research suggests that when running, you should keep much more than just six-feet of distance between you and anyone else.
Take in the sun. After a long, cold winter, your body is strapped for Vitamin D, a crucial vitamin that impacts mood, energy, and your body’s ability to heal.2 Recapture some of that goodness while you’re active today – not to mention building immunity for the upcoming season.
Reconnect with nature. Whether it’s a hike, or tending to the garden out back, push your bare feet into the rich soil and allow the sound of swaying trees to lull you into the present.
Ultimately, make time for you. There are countless opportunities to show yourself kindness, and oftentimes, it’s as simple as prioritizing your health with a breath of fresh air.
There are a lot of ways to stop the coronavirus and protect our neighbors — taking time for yourself is an important way!
In many areas, Maid Right is designated as an essential business. In addition to social distancing, consider calling Maid Right to disinfect your home, business, or office. Our specialized disinfection misting system, Enviro-Shield, covers all surfaces from doorknobs to keyboards that could carry germs and bacteria. Call today for your free consultation.
Source 1: https://positivepsychology.com/positive-effects-of-nature/
Source 2: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-vitamin-d