Staying sane while dodging the Coronavirus

I know, it’s unbelievable that we are dealing with a Pandemic! I mean, who would have thought this would be the start of our 2020! It feels like yesterday when we got the newsflash about the Coronavirus outbreak in China. It didn’t seem real until it began to travel across the world and landing in the US. As we like to feel optimistic, I’m sure a lot of people thought it would be controlled. Well, here we are, trying to cope with this unexpected situation and pretend to live with some sort of normalcy. Because it’s spreading like wildfire, we are up to 273 cases in New Orleans and it’s possible that one of those people is someone you know. I can’t lie to y’all and say I’m not scared because I’m am. I’m nervous because although I have a good balance of health and wellness, I have two little people (my babies) and a 70-year-old mother in law that I’m around every day. I have to stay healthy for them. Not to mention, if I fall my entire house falls apart! No shade to the men, but we all know the women are the glue to keeping things together. If we don’t take care of ourselves then all hell breaks loose. Literally. Having said that, I thought I would share some of my best practices to stay healthy, sane and sober. Because lord knows I’m two seconds from losing my shit and the toilet paper that I barely have!

Work Out & Move

Working out is a big stress relief for me. Since we are all on lockdown and the gym just doesn’t seem to be the smartest idea right now, I utilize my backyard or find a completely isolated park to get in a good sweat. Create your own moment, even if it’s just for 30 minutes, your mind and body will thank you. No lie. It really does relieve stress. Trust me, move your body!

Eat Clean & Smart

I’m confident in knowing that I usually make smart food choices. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love an occasional burger with fries and somebody’s Friday Fish Fry. Ha. But I’ve learned to manage my cravings and know when to scale back. Since the only temptation that we now have is in our very own homes, I made sure to stock up on forgiving snacks like fruit, popcorn, granola, and hummus with grain-free chips. This way, I eliminated the urge to reach for cookies or chips while binge-watching my new favorite Netflix shows (I know yall have some new shows too, tuh). I want you to keep this in mind on your next supermarket run and gravitate to foods that will help boost your immune system, give you energy and a guilt-free conscience all while making you feel good. I mean, let’s remember, we do have a virus spreading, so keep your immune system in consideration and be smart about what you put in your body. Our bodies are our shields and we should protect it under any circumstance.

Meditate & Cope

I have been meditating daily for about a year. The results have been life-changing in a way that I handle stress and overall mental clarity. Although it took some time for me to really focus and understand the benefits of Meditation, it is now a lifestyle practice that guides me through each day, week and month. In a world full of chaos, I look forward to those 10 minutes of being still. In addition to meditation, I have some other routines that have helped manage stress, anxiety and remaining calm including CBD and grounding techniques. All of them have been a HUGE help in keeping my sanity, owning my breathwork and allowing me to show up for myself! Thus, making it more effective for my family. Let us pray that Coronavirus does not try to fight me on this! Because I’m ready. I think. Yikes.

Unplug & Let Go

If you don’t do anything else, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do this: UNPLUG & LET GO. Remove yourself from the constant social media COVID-19 updates, group chats, breaking news (especially when it interrupts the Young & the Restless during all the good parts uggh)) and anything relating to this vicious hater (aka coronavirus). Although many of us have dealt with many temperamental natural disasters, this is unlike anything we’ve ever experienced. It’s so surreal. But don’t let this be the focus of your day as it’s not healthy for your mind, body or soul. Remove yourself from any platform that encourages you to participate in engaging in raising your stress level. Periodically unplug from electronics, let go of ongoing coronaversations, mute the group chat and turn off social media notifications. Not all the time. But give yourself a break and make room for mental daily downloads!

Cocktails & Conversation

I know y’all are already partaking in adult beveraging. But instead of being inside your head while being inside your house while trying to see what should go inside your cup, I came up with a great way we can experience inside-ness together! Since we all are practicing social distancing but still craving human connection, I’ve decided to invite all of you to join me for a virtual happy hour!! Jump on any social media platform or video conferencing site, call your girlfriend, grab a bottle (or two) and let’s catch up! My girlfriend Lynn and I are hosting our first HAPPY HOUR AT HOME on IG Live this FRIDAY at 6 PM CST. If you’re on, grab a glass and let’s chat!!