The effect of the outbreak of Coronavirus and all the ways our lives have changed can be stressful. An invisible enemy can cause fear and anxiety, and all of our sudden life changes can cause us to temporarily spiral into unhealthy habits. Coping with stress in a healthy way makes you stronger and helps those around you to be calmer. Taking active steps to ensure you strengthen your immune system and check in with loved ones to ensure they’re following suit is especially important at this time. We are all in this together, and if we look at the positive, it will bring us closer and more connected.

Here are 10 tips to stay balanced and healthy, and reduce stress and anxiety:

1.  MOVE IT or SHAKE IT: Exercise regularly at least three times a week for at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity. If you can, exercise with loved ones - the ones you’re sheltering at home with. Get outside to exercise ONLY if you can, and only if it’s safe to do so.

2.  BREATHE: Practice deep breathing for at least 5 minutes each day. Meditate and practice stillness - in any way that feels good to you - each day. You can use apps if needed for directed meditation and if you’d like some personalized instruction and guidance, call me!

3.  EAT HEALTHY: Sachi ALWAYS says, ‘eat healthy! ‘ Truly, it’s never been more critical to eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Did you know? Refined sugary desserts feed viruses.

4.  REMEMBER SUPPORT SYSTEM: Stay in touch with loving, supportive, trusting family and friends. Technology can be your friend - consider a video call through FaceTime, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype or Zoom. Seeing your family and friends in any way can be a powerful support. Someone having a birthday or special day? Schedule a group video call! Works well for happy hours too. :)

5.  FOCUS ON WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY: Use the time doing those activities that bring you joy and happiness as much as possible, when you’re not working or home schooling children. Now’s the time to learn that language or start your memoirs.

6.  STAY SMART: We’re being advised to stay home as much as possible so listen, wash your hands, keep your hands away from your face, and resist the urge to see others who seem ‘symptom-free.’ Be diligent and practice excellent hygiene and social distancing to protect yourself, your family and others.

7.  BE IN SERVICE: If you are able, and it is safe for you to do so, reach out to those more vulnerable with offers to pick up groceries or to stay in touch with a phone call. Call a friend and see who needs toilet paper.

8.  CULTIVATE GRATITUDE: Make a list of all the things you are grateful for. You’ll quickly see how many blessings you have. Bonus? Studies show Gratitude helps counteract depression and improve sleep and overall health.

9.  HEALTHY HABITS: Maintain a healthy routine and schedule. This includes fresh air, rand adherence to a regular, healthy sleep schedule.

10.  GET SUPPORT: Don’t be a hero. If you experience heightened anxiety, contact a mental-health professional - most are seeing patients over technology and / or doing phone sessions.

2020: A New Year and A New You!

A huge percent of New Year Goals fail simply because we all want huge changes, such as “I will work out one hour a day and lose 50 pounds and…!” But here’s a little secret: It can be far more effective (and easier!) if instead you commit to make a few small goals with steps that are fast and easy to incorporate into your life style. If you do this, by the end of the year you’ll notice that cumulatively those few small achieved goals collectively made a huge positive change in your life, brought your vision for the year into greater focus and that’s a promise!

To make those small goals that add up to serious long-term change, consider adding some built-in support - you don’t have to go at it all alone! Accountability partners can go a long way to help you stay focused, on-track and help to ensure success. Contact me for help if you want to, or need to, but here in this blog I offer some suggestions of practical, little goals to pick and choose from, or choose one of your own, but keep in mind that the real trick is to make them Clear, Specific, and Easy To Do! Far too many people make goals that are huge or too time consuming and then bash themselves for not having kept up with their “good intentions”. My advice is to avoid making huge goals, and instead make a series of small changes with steps that are clear, specific, quick and easy to do! That’s when the real magic happens!

Here are a few of my suggestions and instructions to get your juices flowing and get you started in this “New Year New You!”

1.) Take 5 Super Aware Breaths
Yep, that’s specific, it doesn’t take long so this is do-able…and now let’s get clear on how to do it! Sit up straight (but not rigid) in a chair or cross legged or even lying down. Close your eyes and turn your focus inward. Inhale as long, slow, and deeply as possible. Feel your breath as it opens and expands different parts of the torso. Exhale as long, slow, and deeply as possible. Feel your body contracting as the air is being released. There are no rules about mindful breathing You can do this once a day or as many times as you’re drawn to. You can do 5 breaths or even more.

SACHISAYS: This is a mini-meditation, a break in your day, and a mini-de-stressor- all rolled into one complete package, so take your time and ENJOY the fruits you will certainly feel from this practice.

2.) Start A Gratitude Journal
Each day, find a time that works for you to take a minute to write down 3 things you are grateful for in a private journal or notebook. Whether you do this in the morning or in the evening before sleep, you’ll be immersed in the powerfully delicious and transformational vibration of gratitude. Each entry can be short- (doesn’t even need to be a full sentence). Or you can write as much as you feel like for any of them. But don’t write the same thing twice. For example, you can say, ‘my child’ only once, then focus on specific aspects of that child you’re grateful for - their smile, thoughtfulness etc.

SACHISAYS: This works unconsciously to keep you scouting out new things to notice that you are thankful for, and energetically will help attract more things to keep you in that like-vibration. Plus it really opens you to see, think and look for positives throughout the day to include in your journal.

3.) Schedule A Weekly Treat In Your Planner / Calendar
What’s a treat to you? Ideas are infinite, and this can be something costly or free. The really important part is that it feels like a treat to you, it's doable and that you schedule it! Consider changing it up to keep things fresh and exciting: one week this can be a massage, another week lunch with a friend, another week trying a new coffee shop, or even a walk in a new area you’ve never been, in the woods alone to ponder, or a bike ride with a buddy. 

SACHISAYS: This gives you something to look forward to and helps get you through the lesser times in the week. It’s also a de-stressor, and strengthens your self-care / self-love muscle. The scheduling aspect confirms and cements in visually that YOU are important!

4.) Exercise 10 or 15 Minutes a Day
Anyone can find time to exercise 10 or 15 minutes a day, and especially if it’s fun! This does not have to be anything classically considered exercise. Copy a cat and do stretches, or walk or ride a bike instead of jumping in the car. Turn on some disco and really have a blast moving and shaking! Or, get creative while you’re watching TV and dance during commercials. The important thing is that during your “exercise” time, enjoy yourself and have fun! 

SACHISAYS: Ancient wisdom states that all illness begins with stagnation. You see how water that doesn’t flow and is stagnant becomes an iceberg. So move your body!

5.) Visit a Friend or Invite a Friend to Visit Your Home at Least Every 6 Months
This is not only for short or long distance friends, but why not even if you live in the same town! Hey, we’re never too old for a PJ party! And this works whether with girl friends, guy friends or couples. It also works well as a joint vacation. As the saying goes, “Friends are the family you choose.” Make it easy! Long or short, a full day, overnighter or weekend will be perfect to connect, support one another and have some fun!

SACHISAYS: This is a fun thing to make plans for and look forward to! Plus being with friends is great nourishment for the soul!

6.) Start Every Day with 8 oz (or more) of Pure Water, or better yet, Pure Water with a 1/2 lemon squeezed in it!

When you wake up, your body is thirsty and needs hydration, not coffee or tea, first thing in the morning after those hours of sleep! So start off by hydrating it. It will perform better, and that’s a promise!

SACHISAYS: I don’t like to drink with ‘morning mouth’, so I gargle with hydrogen peroxide first and rinse with water, then drink my hydrating water with a big smile. What a way to start the day!

So there are some Small, Clear, Specific, Quick and Easy ideas that can Create a Big Change for a Healthier, Happier You! Keep up the good work. I am rooting for you!

Love Light Wisdom and Clear Vision in 2020 and Beyond,
Sachi