Keeping a sunny outlook can be difficult during normal circumstances but may feel especially challenging now. However, practicing gratitude and maintaining a positive attitude may make you feel healthier, both mentally and physically.

Here are 6 ideas to try the next time you feel overwhelmed or stressed.

1. Find the Upside. Maybe you keep promising yourself to spend more time with family, cook healthier meals or just finally read that book. If you find yourself staying home with extra time on your hands, now is the perfect time. Free classes abound on the internet- and now you have the time to learn a new language or skill or start a new hobby. Try using this time to be productive.
2. Put Down the Device! If you are working from home, you are probably on your computer during normal work hours. After that, try stepping away from technology. If you are not working from home, still set limits on technology. Maybe let yourself check the news twice a day, but actively try to enjoy non-tech activities, like reading or puzzles or going for a walk.
3. Reach Out. If you are home alone, there are still ways to connect with others. Pick up the phone and actually call or FaceTime a friend. Even if you are self-isolating with family, consider reaching out to people in your life that may be isolated and alone.
4. Give Back. One of the best ways to stop stress in its tracks is to give back to others. While you might not be able to have close physical contact with anyone, research how you can help others through this difficult time. It might be as simple as ordering takeout from a small local business or getting groceries delivered to a lonely friend or neighbor.
5. Connect with Nature. Again, too much technology and news are probably a recipe for stress right now. If you can go outside safely, take a walk around your block or simply step into your backyard. This might be a good time to start a garden or add to your indoor plant collection.
6. Go GREEN. During this time, there is a limited amount of household resources, such as Paper towels and toilet paper. Maybe buy some cleaning rags or start using napkins again. It will help with finances, stress on not being able to buy paper products and even the environment.

We know that this is a difficult time for many of you, and we are offering discounted one-on-one Virtual yoga sessions so you can stay active and continue your yoga practice. We are also starting to do Virtual Classes on April 5 on Sundays and Thursdays.

Contact us to set your Virtual Yoga Session at 732-860-5273 (KARE). KareBoost Health is committed to helping you live your healthiest life, especially life gets extra difficult!

Karen L Leibowitz, MD
KareBoost Health