Staying Healthy and Strong and Inspired During Difficult Times - Part Two

If you didn't already, be sure to check out Part One of this post HERE.

FUEL YOUR BODY (AND MIND) THE BEST YOU CAN
What we are consuming for our physical body and what we are consuming for our mental and emotional health matters! Period. end of story, right? Yes, it matters. Now what do we do about it? There are several traps I see people in the middle of and find myself in the midst of too at times. Here are some strategies that have worked for me and other Fitness Inspirers too. I will go through a list of ideas for you— give yourself some grace, find one that feels good to you, and be proud of yourself for even going “there.” Bring your awareness to what and when and how much of what types of food, drink, water, media you are consuming? It helps a lot of people to get it down on paper. Ask yourself some questions, one idea—does this feel healthy for me in this season of life right now? Another idea is what I call the “But First” principle. You know the shirts that say But First, coffee? It goes with this idea if we can change just one thing, change what you lead each meal with for example, But First, I eat my veggies. And what we start our day with, and out of transition how do we start our next “thing.” This has been a life-changing principle that so many Fitness Inspirers are so happy to have adopted! Your day just goes that much better when you start your day with a workout for an example.

Your nutrients and amount of food just goes so much better over time if you start your meals with veggies. Start small. Remember something beats nothing every time.

Start with even with the smallest shift or action. If you feel overwhelmed. Step back and go back to tip #2. You are stronger than you think. But we don’t have to feel like we are on an island, despite the physical social distance. We got this! Lean in to communities through technology that you are intentionally choosing.

MOVE YOUR BODY
You knew this was going to be on the list, right?! Just try it, though. Play
with movements and exercises. If you currently are completely sedentary and are working towards the health recommendation of exercising most days of the week? If you are trying to change anything from your norm it can feel overwhelming. But we are not going to be overwhelmed. Not this time, anyway. First access where you are currently. Then let’s dream and “try on” in our current situation where we want to be headed in regards to how we feel and the condition of our health.

Now comes the fun, and sometimes hard part. Let’s do it. Will your path and parts of your plan change along the way?—yep! But come on that
makes life interesting. Don’t be stopped by obstacles, let those obstacles sharpen you.

When the gyms shut down- try virtual options (there are so many free options that people like myself are offering to help people stay active during this time!). When you can’t seem to do what you know you want to do? Get a coach, join a program that will give you what you need, find accountability in a community (we can have AMAZING community virtually right now with technology). If you have something physically you have to temporarily or permanently work around—know that there are options, choices, modifications. Keep showing up. You are worth it! And know that when you fail ESPECIALLY in many exercises you will improve so much faster and you will be so much stronger for it!

SHARE YOUR GIFTS AND SUPERPOWERS
Because, yes you have them. And yes, we need your specific combination of talents, strengths, life experience, and passion to show up in our world ALWAYS but especially right now. I love to see the examples, already of how we are rising up together! What little or big thing can you share or offer or be available right now?

We need you. If you are struggling with what your superpowers are? If you know me ask me haha, because one of my superpowers is seeing what others have in them. That for a myriad of reasons, are not shining through yet. Another way to identify what your specific superpowers are- is to think about what your family and friends come to you for? What are the common themes and questions your clients and co-workers come to you for help with? Okay now it’s time to be brave, knowing that we need you to show up, so we can rise together. Because when you or I do this, it INSPIRES others to do the same!