Today is a new day and the beginning of a new month. But while most people will be setting exciting new monthly goals, the city I’ve called home for the last two years will be setting its sights on rebuilding.
Last week was every word you can imagine. While I’m grateful to have not been directly impacted by the storm it was very nerve racking seeing others going through so much devastation.
Stressful and tough times can wreak havoc on our bodies, both mentally and physically. So I wanted to share a few ways Houstonians (or anybody) can get back on track after experiencing such hardship.
1. Meditate, Pray, & Give Thanks
Getting in touch with something higher is what meditation and prayer is all about. Taking the time to show gratitude and give thanks for the gift of life and being safe is such a humbling moment. Connecting to that higher power and showing gratitude helps to re-center and put your focus on what’s really important. Material things come and go but you only get one life. Take a moment daily to just Give Thanks.
2. Set Your Alarm
When things happen out of your control, your routine gets interrupted and shifted a bit. For me, I had the luxury of staying up late and sleeping in this past week which was much needed. But now it’s time to get back to our regularly scheduled programs. Sleep is so important and crucial to ones state of health. Start getting back to your usual sleeping patterns and reset your alarm clocks so you can wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day! Remember 7-8 hours is the recommended amount you should be aiming for every night.
3. Eat Your Fruits & Veggies
Stressful times usually causes stressful (emotional) eating. Comfort food (foods high in refined sugar and fat) are usually the first thing we reach for to help soothe and console us during difficult times. These foods release chemicals in the brain that give us a quick, false sense of happiness and relief…similar to that of a drug addict. Not only do these foods pack on the pounds, they cause of inflammation in the body, the main root to so many diseases.
So what’s the number one way to fight off the pounds and inflammation?? You guessed it, eat more fruits and veggies! Specifically more greens as they will help improve your mood and energy levels (two focal points during tough times).
4. Drink Water…With Lemon
Like I always say, drinking more water is the easiest, quickest things you can do to improve your health. Consuming adequate amounts of water is crucial as water plays such an important role and is responsible for so much throughout the body. Our bodies are made up of over 70% of water so when you’re not consuming enough, you’re doing your body a disservice.
And when you haven’t been eating the healthiest, adding fresh lemon juice to your water is a great way to gently cleanse and detox the body of any toxins. Simply cut a lemon in half and squeeze it into your next glass of water!
5. Extend A Hand
“We rise by helping others.”
By helping others we help ourselves. When we’re able to step from outside of ourselves and extend a helping hand to those in need it releases those feel good endorphins that uplift your mood and spirits. Research shows that helping others has a similar effect as “runners high”, a euphoria like sensation.
With all that Houston is going through right now, it’s important we all come together and help one another through it all. Donate supplies, money or physically volunteer to help distribute materials or clean for those in need.
*I strongly encourage you to do your own research and find the organization(s) that you best align with. In my opinion, it’s always best to donate locally or directly to the people.
Stressful situations don’t have to take complete control over your life. By taking care of yourself and your health, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever life throws at you. Here’s to building a better HoUSton and a better YOU!
