I’ve been an athlete my whole life but I never realized how reliant I was on physical activity/exercise until this pandemic. I’ve done every workout video on YouTube, took up jogging this summer and biked more but with winter coming the thought of no gyms made me really anxious.

I hate winter, always have always will. But I’m going to do every winter activity possible this year. I also invested in a spinning bike and it has changed my life. #StayHealthy #StayHome

Inspired by @KayLaframboise here are some things that have made me feel better during these times. Hopefully some of it can help/inspire others:

1. Meditation and mindfulness journaling. This is especially important for people with anxiety.

2. Breathing. This one seems silly, but it will change your entire day. Take the time out of your day minimum 3 times a day to close your eyes and deep breathe for 5 minutes.

3. Yoga and stretching. Doing this every morning starts your day off on a high note. I’ve felt a big difference in my overall wellbeing.

4. Surround yourself with positivity, love and laughter. I had to early on tell my friends and family to shutup about COVID. Its funny since I’m a journalist and can’t escape the numbers but on your days off — spend a day (indoors without outside people) pretending life is normal

5. Finally, find time for the hobbies you never took on and set goals for yourself. I’ve done more baking in a few months than I have my whole life.

6. I have more to add.
Reading. A lot of self-help spiritual books. I’ve found a lot of hope and guidance in my books.
Specifically for me: The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine Aron and A Mindfulness Journal for Beginners by Matthew Sockolov.

7. Working out every morning when I don’t work.
As I already said, this has been my saving grace. Nothing compares to the feeling after a good workout.

8. Practicing/learning a language.
I stopped Portuguese school at a young age and felt it needed some sharpening. Took some online classes and it was really fulfilling.