5 Minutes To Better Sleep

I don’t know about you but I’m ready for a REST stop on the Rona Ride. 

It’s starting to feel like a country song come to life…

Dad’s on lock down (at his assisted living). 

Youngest brother’s on the front lines (ER doc in Virginia that loves infectious disease).

I’m on a see saw balancing between two new worlds (the wellness “rest” world from my yoga nidra training and the upside down medical world on the verge of burn out). 

Ironically, my yoga nidra training started when the pandemic hit our area.

I'll be honest my Rona Ride stalled out at the end of April when my body screamed "time out" due to poor sleep from stress and the crazy pace of all the almost daily changes happening in the medical world. 

I was exhausted mentally and physically. 

So what did I do? 

I busted open my rest-care tool box which helped me bounce back energy wise.

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WANT BETTER SLEEP?
Download This 5 Minute Rest Meditation

YES, I'M READY TO REST

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THE BEST MEDICINE IS REST

There has never been a better time to listen to your body and give it what it needs.

Right now besides your basic hygiene, social distancing and using the latest CDC safety precautions, I recommend using as much rest, laughter, and nature as medicine as possible. 

I saw a post where someone mentioned they were making turns onto aisles at the grocery store like they were in a haunted house.  I couldn’t help from LOL thinking of that even though it’s also sad.  Hopefully we won’t feel like that forever.

Find the humor whenever you can right now.  It's OK to laugh while you're anxious or sad.  It's a #1 coping strategy in the healthcare world. Don’t feel guilty. 
 
Focus on what you can control in your immediate environment.  Your self-care comes first then everyone else.  The wellness rules are the same as before, but we need to ramp up the calming strategies. 
 
Remember to take advantage of the health benefits of movement and meditation each day.  You don't have to go hard core.  A little bit helps a lot.
 
Did you know doing something synchronized like singing with another person is right up there health wise?  Our bodies intuitively know this.  Think of all the TikTok videos or the clapping each day in NYC and Italy for health care workers. 

Go ahead and bust out the karaoke or your favorite dance moves a few minutes a day.  Sing and shake your body to keep the energy and emotions flowing.

I know you’ve got cabin fever. Go for a drive.  Go outside and soak up some sun.  Get near water or trees.  Move your body.  But then I still want you to REST, REST, REST. 

This is a marathon not a sprint.  Our bodies heal and get stronger at rest.

REST & RELAXATION SELF-CARE TOOLS

Here are some free rest and relaxation tools to help calm your body & brain:

Download this free 5 minute rest meditation for better sleep.  Use it to take a quick break, prep for a nap or to relax your body before sleep.

Free Meditation Apps:  Calm, Head Space

Tapping (EFT) is a combination of ancient Chinese acupressure and modern psychology that sends calming signals to the brain.  Here are some free resources:

The Tapping Solution free coronavirus stress and anxiety meditations: go here

The Tapping Solution has 6 months free membership for health care workers and first responders: learn more here

Tapping with Brad Yates on YouTube: Coronavirus

Rest is medicine!
Mollie

P.S. Working from home for the first time?  Don’t forget to take mini movement breaks for better focus & less stiff muscles. Download the Mini Moves Planner to help your body feel more energy, ease, and flow each day.

Need some immune boosting tips?  Here’s the Healthy Traveler Packing List from an oldie but goldie blog post on nutrition and exercise resources to add to your self-care practices.  They're good year-round not just for travel.

Find COVID-19 self-care basics & resources here.