Page 32 - North Haven Magazine Spring 2021 Issue 18

Pandemic

WELLNESSby Shavonne Johnson

ince the start of the pandemic the idea and concept of health has been observed and discussed profusely with great con-
Scern with this unprecedented virus that has surfaced and changed all of our lives as a collective. Sincerely and honestly
ask yourself, what does health truly look like for you?
Is it sitting in your pajamas till noon eating your favorite box of sugar filled cereal watching the latest YouTube post? How
about those morning walks you promised you would start on the upcoming Monday before the sun rises, yet your bed and
covers had other plans to keep you held down.
Health is a state of physical, mental, and social being, that is absent from sickness and disease. Health incorporates the phys-
ical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing to aide in being the best version of yourself. Understandably the pandemic has put a
damper in a lot of our health goals. It has made us realize we need to re -evaluate many facets of our lives and what being the
best versions of ourselves mean to each of us on an individual basis. With gyms closing, various forms of entertainment being
on pause, many succumbed to Netflix, the couch and an array of delicious snacks. In moderation Netflix and snacks are fine
but when it becomes a daily habit that is when problems begin to arise. Life is about adapting with change as it is inevitable,
and not allowing it to get the best of you, yet let it build you up and make you better.

Below you will find 5 Steps compiled together in efforts to 3. Feed the Machine:
help improving overall health: Ever notice how on holidays like Thanksgiving for instance,
after having a plate full of food (typically high in fat, carbo-
1. Words have power: hydrates, and sugars), you instantly want to curl up in a ball
Words are like boomerangs, what you put out is ultimately somewhere and take a nap? That is because our bodies are
what you will get back. Be mindful of the words you allow like cars, when you feed it clean and wholesome ingredients
to come out towards yourself and others. Once those words it works at peak performance, when given garbage you risk
leave your mouth they can never be returned. experiencing sluggish movement, stalling etc. So think about
how you want to feel prior to what you want to eat.
An exercise to try to bring peace and positivity to your life is
to start your day in the mirror and say the following: 4. Giggle till you wiggle:
My Name is Blank (repeat x3) Laughter is the universal language that is understood world-
wide. As a baby you laugh before you talk and it is highly in-
I am kind to myself and others (repeat x3) fectious. Not only is laughter fantastic for the soul and make
I am patient with myself and others (repeat x3) you and others feels good but it can actually assist in burning
Repeat daily, feel free to interchange the words and sayings up to 40 calories. It is truly a win, win experience. Laugh on
as you see fit. and giggle till you wiggle.
You have the power to speaking life or destruction into a sit-
uation, ultimately it is your choice. It all starts with a thought 5. Turn off the Noise:
that often translates to words followed by the actions. Think Do you remember the days when there were only house
wisely and the words will follow as such. phones and they stayed in the house as we went out and
about and lived our lives, present in the moment? If there was
2. Move your body: an emergency more times than not you could find a nearby
Have you ever heard the saying, "if you don’t use it you lose pay phone. Cellphones have become a major benefit however
it"? That is exactly what happens to our bodies if we don’t they have also caused us to become unhealthily dependent
remain active. Our bodies are machines that need steady upon them. Statistics show the average user is on their phone
movement to work at its highest performance. It is no differ- at minimum 2 and half hours a day and that is on the low end.
ent than having an automobile sitting idle in a lot for months Peace is found within while in the midst of silence. Challenge
upon months without the car being turned on and moved, yourself to start your day waking up and not touching your
when you finally do decide to put the car in drive you will ex- phone, until you have done something good for your body,
perience stalling amongst other potential issues. Our bodies whether that consists of meditating, working out, or taking
operate in the same manner. a nice walk outside taking in the fresh air and the peace of
Although the gym may be out of reach for some during these nature. Watch how much calmer you will be within the day.
unprecedented times, you can turn regular household items
into work out equipment with a little creativity. So, as life becomes closer to normal, embrace and appreciate
your health or make the effort to improve it.

32 North Haven Magazine - Spring Issue 2021