1. 1. Wake up in the morning and think of 3 things you are thankful for
      • Many times my list is the same: 1) I can breathe, 2) My family is healthy, 3) I can walk.  Working in healthcare makes you truly grateful for things that may seem small, but in reality are HUGE.  I used to wake up and check my email, the news, or scroll mindlessly through social media, and I quickly realized that was not the best way to start the day.
   2. Stick to a routine 
      • This keeps me on track.  My routine may not be 100% each day especially with two kiddos now, but I try to stick as close to it as possible.  Having a routine makes me feel organized and that also lessens my anxious feelings.
   3. Incorporate meditation daily
      • I started with 5  minutes a day to figure out how to fit it in my schedule and have worked my way up to 2x/daily for 10 minutes.  You can find our meditation instructions below and weekly posts for ideas if you are new to daily meditation. This has helped to lessen anxiety and clear my mind.
   4. Limit news updates to 1x a day
      • Initially, I was looking at news media multiple times a day for updates on Covid cases etc.  I realized this did nothing for me except create more anxiety.  I have reduced the time to once a day, and some days I actually forget to check and don’t let it consume my thoughts.
   5. At home “spa” day
      • I take a 10 minute shower pretending I am at my usual spa 3x a week.  Ten minutes is the best I could do with a toddler and little baby, but it helps!  I remove all outside thoughts and envision I am truly at the spa.  Try this and you will be amazed how hard it is to remove all outside thoughts, but then when you do and get better at it, it’s life-changing.
   6. Workout at least 3-4x a week, preferably outdoors
      • With the kiddos it is not always easy to get in a small pocket of workout time.  I count a stroller walk with both kids as a workout even if we are going like .5mph with Emma on her bike.  Going for walks is very refreshing, too.  Anything that makes your body move and keeps your mind off the hustle and bustle of the day is a great investment for yourself.
   7. Plan “dates and outings”
      • Recently my husband and I do this and it has been fun.  He plans Saturday and I plan Sunday, and then we switch off.  We typically keep it a surprise which has made it more exciting. The dates/outings are things we can do safely as a family without many people around, socially distancing, etc. etc.  We have gotten creative and it has made a huge difference from asking the question of, “What should we do this weekend?”  We have the plans and we just get up and go and enjoy the moments.
   8. Plan Zoom or FaceTime calls to keep in touch
      • We do this very often with close friends and family and it gives us something to look forward to.  This has been a lifesaver too with introducing our baby, Crue.  And for family to watch him grow and for Emma to remain close with family.  Check your calendar, plan some dates.  Recently we had a nice dinner over FaceTime with family and made the same meal, too! It was a lot of fun!
   9. Keep cooking interesting
      • I aim to cook at least 1 new recipe a week, and have ventured outside of the Paleo recipe realm.  It keeps things fun and again something to look forward to when we aren’t able to eat out at a restaurant.  Bust out the fine china, have a glass of wine and pretend you’re at your favorite restaurant! You MUST check out Pinch of Yum, Cookie and Kate, Minimalist Baker and The Real Food RD’s for some excellent recipes!
   10. Get outside in the sun at least once a day
       • Vitamin D always does the body good.  It is also great for my daughter to get some energy out.  We all are genuinely happier when we get back indoors from our adventure.
   11. Don’t look to the future
       • The quote, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference,” may sound cliche, but it rings true for me daily.  There is nothing I can do to change the current situation, and this quote forces me to live for today.  My husband always teaches me, “Worry when there is something to worry about, instead of worrying about what MIGHT happen.”

Implementing these ideas will be hard work initially.  I ask that you start by writing down how your mindset is today.  Then give yourself at least three weeks of using the various ideas from my list, or things you have come up with on your own.  When three weeks are complete, return to what you wrote down and see how your mindset has changed.  A habit takes about three weeks to take shape.  The habit formation principle is amazing because it gives you the power to change the way you think, and ultimately the way you feel.

While I can sit here and talk about trying to be positive all day, the reality is that it’s okay to have negative feelings, anxiety, worry, anger, etc.  I recently started to learn about “being okay with not being okay.”  All feelings are valid feelings during this difficult time.  Or any time for that matter.  But the important thing to remember is that challenging feelings do not need to be permanent.  Accept the feelings as they come, but don’t let them linger.  Once you acknowledge your negative feelings, try and shift them to a more positive light.  If it is absolutely impossible to shift your thinking, think of this quote: “Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but gets you nowhere.”  That is my all time favorite to think of when my negative mind is trying to control me.

So I end here tonight by saying I know things are hard, but in the end we will come out stronger and more appreciative of the little things, I just know it.  I truly would love to hear how things are going for you.  Feel free to comment on this post or email me directly using the contact form below.  If you have ideas of your own for something that is helping you get through, please share!  We really love to hear from you!

Cheers to a brighter 2021,

UpBeet Sisters