Emotions… We are living in a world of emotional turmoil and it is so difficult to know how to navigate all that is happening…   

I would like to share with you what I have struggled with and also… the choices I have made and I hope that you will join me in the conversation so that together we can help uplift and support one another.

I was recently furloughed from my job and what has crystallized for me over these past few weeks is that a healthy routine is critical for me and my emotional well-being.  I have been home (a new normal for sure…) and I thought that I would accomplish so much and have so much extra time on my hands and well…. truth be told, that has not been the case.   Yes, I  have time, but time has gotten away from me.  I was missing my normal routine and getting away from that has not served me well.  So, here are some of the areas I have been challenged by… perhaps they may resonate with you as well.   

1. Sleep – Hmm, this has been a hard one for me. Until recently, it’s been pretty low on my priority list.  Go to bed very late; then I can’t sleep (didn’t give myself space to wind down… then get up for a few hrs and then back to bed to try and get a little sleep).  Due to a lack of sleep, I was less productive, unmotivated and unable to be as focused as I would like to be.
2. Hydration – at work, I am great with this! At home, not so much… why?  I don’t get up every hour and drink my water… I put it off and then get a phone call or hop on a conference call and then… I realize it’s been a couple hours…  and dehydration has set in.
3. Exercise – before the health crisis, I was working out, doing yoga and dancing 4 times a week. The routine is gone… and my body, mind, spirit and soul feels it.
4. Spending time in nature…. Had been non-existent. Prior to this… it’s always been my think and feel good place to breathe fully into my life. Oh, how I missed this….

Does any of this resonate with YOU? 

So, how did I start to find my way back? I began by acknowledging my previous choices and breathing in new decisions that resonate with my body at this time in my life.  So, what are some of the changes that I have made?

1. Sleep is now a huge priority for ME!  It means giving myself permission to sleep a little later in the morning when my body needs it or giving myself permission to take naps.
2. Hydration means now setting a timer on my phone every hour as a non-negotiable reminder to drink my water.
3. Exercise – I am now slowly getting back into my normal routine of exercising and adding 5 to 10 minutes of stretching when I am drinking my water. My body feels so good.
4. Being in Nature is vital to my overall energy and the mornings are my best time to fuel my body with nature’s sunshine. So, before my office day starts… I begin with giving my body the nutrients it needs to have an amazing day.  A simple walk in my neighborhood and looking around and having an attitude of gratefulness inspires me to be fully alive and connected to my purpose.                                                                                                                                                                         What are you currently doing to create a routine that honors yourself and your priorities?  Let's get the conversation going....