How are you taking care of your Mental health with the Pandemic?

Last week, I was allowed to go back to work, with some stringent protocols. 
It was nerve-wracking, but also felt so good. I gave a few massages and did some Acupuncture Treatments, 
I honestly felt happier then I had for awhile. 
It's the human connection...
How is that not good for our immune system? 
Even before this, mental illness was on the rise, due to people having less community? 

What does feeling like you belong, or healthy touch do for us? 
One study shows, that positive touch stimulates our Pre-frontal cortex, and those of you that know me well, know that I am all about that! And it soothes our stress response. 
So, what do we do now, that we are supposed to stay away from people? 
What is that doing to us? 
How can we connect? 
Tips for staying sane: 
1. If you are not high risk, book yourself a massage. 
2. Increase your affection with those that are in your vector/ family/ pick up to three friends to be in your vector. Hug those. 
3. Exercise every day, moving your blood increases your serotonin, even if it is a gentle walk or stretching. Get that blood flowing, it will help your brain and increase endorphins. 
4. Meditation, is shown to help decrease our stress response, join my self paced meditation series, on how to reduce anxiety here. 
5. Support yourself with vitamins and good nutrition. Vitamin D, selenium, Vitamin C, the omega fatty acids, B Vitamins are key. If you want assistance with those, get in touch with us. 
6. Do things that you enjoy (even if they aren't productive).
7. I recommend doing things that are comforting, perhaps something you have done for awhile, or want to pick back up. I just bought some paddle boards, so I have something to look forward to this summer. That helps increase dopamine and excitement. 
8. Positive affirmations, thoughts, words, help our brain wire for positivity. If we can't muster that, the simple gratitude help. 
9. Online groups, happy hours or communities that your relate to, can help us feel like we belong and aren't as isolated. I usually do a sunday brunch for mother's day and we did it online, it was great fun, and kept a habitual tradition alive.  
10. Smile. Laugh, Dance, experience your emotions. 
We need to create habits that helps us persevere during this for the long haul.


https://www.wired.co.uk/article/the-good-life-human-touch