Dear mama,
As I conclude my time here with AllMomDoes, guest blogging on the ‘Quarantine Wellness’ series I want to wrap up with a direct letter to you.
Over the past 3 weeks we’ve covered tangible things like getting into the right mindset, nutrition tips to help control eating habits, and the basics of getting started with a fitness program.
Today let’s get eye-level, one to one, heart to heart, from one mama to another.
As I was sweating and whining (and a little bit of swearing) through my workout today I couldn’t help but think about life post quarantine. Specifically, who we will emerge as. Some of us will come out stronger, fitter, more well-rested, confident and ready to attack life. Others will want to stay home in our yoga pants (because they may be all that fit anymore), unsure of how things may have changed since we’ve been cooped up, less excited about getting back to reality. I know many people who have been quarantined with someone they had a volatile relationship with pre-quarantine. I can only imagine how those environments are affecting the health of everyone involved.
I’d like to share with you some ways I have addressed all areas of my ‘health’ (spiritually, mental/emotional and physical) that have helped me weather not just this COVID-19 season, but any uncertain times in my life. My hope is this will help empower you to step into this next phase of life.
SPIRITUAL HEALTH:
First and foremost, let your faith be bigger than your fear. We don’t have all the answers. And we don’t have to. The more we seek to understand this world and the people in it and control the outcome, the more fearful we become. Needing to know ‘why’, ‘how’, ‘when’ without getting adequate answers from those we feel are in charge can only drive us deeper into anxiety. Trust in the One who holds the grander plan for your life. Put your blinders on and keep your eyes on Him. Spend more time in God’s Word than the newsfeed. That is where you’ll find the truth. Take solace in his promises to give you a prosperous life.
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21
MENTAL/EMOTIONAL HEALTH:
I’ve suffered through my fair share of depression after each of my 4 babies and psychological abuse in a toxic relationship. I always felt hesitant to address these as ‘mental health’ disorders due to the stigma I personally associated with that label. With May being Mental Health Awareness month, let’s embrace this time to acknowledge that our mental health is just as important as our physical health. I have spent time on antidepressants and in my therapists office to help me through the toughest times of my life. I learned to recognize how the things I’m allowing into my mind have power over my thoughts and feelings. Our ‘diet’ isn’t just what we put into our mouth. It’s what we view and who and what we listen to as well. I know personally that after a social media scroll session or glimpse through the news I come away feeling down on myself, sad about our world and need to take time to course correct. Nowadays I pop my headphones in any chance I get and listen to uplifting podcasts, audiobooks or worship music. It takes a conscious effort to guard our minds and fill them with positivity.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
PHYSICAL HEALTH:
The benefits of exercise and healthy eating are immeasurable. ALL other areas of your life will improve when you focus on your physical health. Make it a priority to get 30 minutes of physical activity in daily. Throwing a frisbee outside with the kids counts! Physical self care can also be a hot, candlelight bubble bath with a good book or an unplugged, solo walk through the park,
Nourishing your body with a big, healthy salad or superfood smoothie each day will go a long way to keeping you fueled to conquer your daily workouts and stay active with the kids.
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Above all, mamas, let’s give ourselves grace in this time. This is a season of our lives unlike anything we’ve ever known. More important than anything is that we come out of this time healthy. In all ways.
I’m looking forward to chatting more about this with you LIVE Thursday night on AllMomDoes main FB page.
About the Writer
For over 20 years, Shelly Simonsen, a fitness and nutrition professional, has been helping others in their pursuit of healthy living. As a mom of 4 children and a cancer survivor, Shelly is on a mission to help women find their voice, get unstuck and create the confidence to live a life of freedom.
Recently Shelly founded The Shine Studio.
In her own words; “I’ve had a vision in my heart for nearly a year; a vision to create an ongoing virtual wellness community where we could all stay engaged each day.”
With The Shine Studio, Shelly imagined a place full of joy and positivity, support and encouragement from each other and herself as well as a sharing of resources members all have found to support their collective of healthy living lifestyles. The Shine Studio serves as a ‘hub’ where all members of the community feel they can just hang out with one another.
Quarantine Wellness Part 2: 5 Healthy Habits To Help Maintain Your Weight During Quarantine