As I went through my week, I decided to write about setting priorites in times of stress and change. A few things this week came to mind when thinking about priorities. One is during the end of last week, I got on my scale and was up 1/4 pound. I found myself feeling stressed about something I normally would not be upset over. I’ve also had a few people over the last week tell me how afraid they are of putting on weight during this stressful time.
Over the next few weeks, I hope to increase my blog posts and find ways to offer support to my readers. I am going to focus on how to try and stay positive during this time and take care of ourselves without adding any additional stress. Please know that although I’m staying positive, in no way am I minimizing the real stress and fear faced by many. I am a registered nurse in an ambulatory type clinic and so I understand the seriousness. I have my own fears and doubts too. I want to create some support during this time for those that might need it the most.
I have reached my 90 pound weight loss mark. I saw this a little over a week ago. I posted a picture in my collage at the top of the article. My weight loss app compares weight loss to amounts of food and animals. I have lost the weight of 18 Chihuahuas. While I am happy with my weight loss and feeling good about my positive health changes, I am finding myself more stressed than usual. I made a personal decision to weigh less often right now and simply focus on my key nutrients and staying active. My priority has changed a bit these last few weeks and I decided stressing over weight is not at the top of the list. While I do not want to put on weight, 1/4 of a pound is minor in the grand scheme of events.
My personal priority during this time is to stay healthy and well. I am still reporting to work most days to support my health care team. I work remote one to two days per week. During this time I am putting a lot of energy into being a mom. I have a 13 year old son. I posted a picture above in my collage of him and I playing a game outside the other night. As schools are closed now, I am working during the day and playing teacher at night. I know many of you are doing the same. On a side note, hats off to our teachers. They do not get nearly enough credit for what they do. His teachers are e-mailing and sending well wishes along with ideas to stay active and creative during this time. I’ve also been moved by the many resources made available to all of us through internet providers and such. I received a note from audible that all children 0-18 can access books on audible for free over the next few months. Here is the link to the free audio books: https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
Many people are working from home right now too and this can cause stress in and of itself. Some people find solace in spending time alone at home or prefer not socializing as much. Others though are feeling overwhelmed and isolated not being able to go to work and socialize. I told my niece last week that as much as I love Netflix, you can only watch so much TV. As I am typing this my husband is watching a news channel and they are interviewing someone right now from Netflix asking how they will keep shows coming our way during shelter in place and social distancing/isolation.
So, over the next few weeks I will try and bring ideas your way for staying positive, staying creative, finding some inner peace, and staying healthy. I posted a link to a WW (Weight Watchers) article on tips for healthy snacking while you work from home. That is on my Facebook page if you want to check it out. I have spoken to some of the people who have shared their fears of gaining weight while they go through this, to try intuitive eating. Instead of stressing about every bite or morsel, try giving your body what it needs and wants, putting aside the need to diet.
One thing I’ve noticed already is even with me continuing to work, I’m finding myself needing to stay busy, and I’m cleaning my house like mad. We also had some nice weather this last few days and I’ve been playing outside with my son. We played frisbee golf the other night and it was really fun. We even tossed the football a bit. My little Yorkie is loving it too and I’ve been walking her more. Staying busy gets me active and keeps my mind fresh.
I hope you will get a chance to check out the audio books, get some time to get some activity outside with your pets or children, and simply focus on staying well. I am sending good thoughts to all of you and will write again soon.
Mandy