No one could have predicted the stunning velocity with which the recent pandemic infiltrated almost every aspect of life as we know it.
We were a close-knit community that high-fived at Preds games, sampled food from each other’s plates at bartaco, and packed our local concert venues with enthusiasm. Seemingly overnight, we morphed into social distancers, armchair epidemiologists, and panic-buyers.
The competency, or lack thereof, with which this pandemic was managed is up for vigorous debate.
Here’s the bad news: We have no authority over world leaders, the federal government, state agencies, city officials, the food supply chain, or the availability of your go-to hairdresser—they all play a role in chaos and containment.
Here’s the good news: All things considered, you are large and in charge of your safety, health, and wellbeing. Personal governance begins at home, y’all.
As a board-certified clinical nutritionist and diabetic educator, I invest heavily in maximizing wellbeing for my patients, seen through the lens of integrative medicine. That means diet and lifestyle interventions that focus less on a pill for every ill, and more on taking personal responsibility for wellbeing.
Lee Bell
The ancient Stoics viewed difficult times as the rocket fuel for living a better life, so with intention, find your growth mindset. As we emerge from our cocoons, why not view this unprecedented time in history as an opportunity to reassess your diet and lifestyle, identify where there’s room for improvement, and upgrade. During times of stress and instability, greater self-care is the most reliable way to build greater durability—my top three are below.
— Lee Bell, NC, BCHN
1: Find a dietary guide to assess your specific needs.
Just because the keto diet works for your neighbor doesn’t mean it’s going to work for you. You can’t responsibly discuss diet in isolation. No two people have the same dietary needs so invest in an individualized program based on your age, health history, chronic health conditions, health goals, palette preference, and level of motivation. This will serve you for a lifetime.
2. Don’t underestimate the power of circadian rhythms.
That means to honor your sleep/wake cycle. In a town of night owls, lack of sleep can be worn like a badge of honor; but, when sleep isn’t optimum, nothing is. Not your weight, mood, or immunity. Get eight hours, no more, no less. Sleep in a cool, dark room. And just say no to technology for one to two hours prior to bedtime. That means the telly, computer screens, or whatever else that may be emitting blue light. If it’s a must, then get yourself a pair of cheapo blue light blocking glasses and wait for the drowsiness to set it.
3. Find a way to move your body that doesn’t feel like punishment, otherwise it’s not sustainable.
Most of us don’t need a heroic form of exercise, so setting the bar too high can be discouraging. Committing to just 15 minutes a day for a walk, a hike, a dance party in your living room, gardening, or housework are modest, but noble endeavors. Nervous? Exercise is still the best pill ever invented to combat anxiety. Remember, motion is lotion...your joints will love you for it, too.
To quote the venerable Dolly Parton, “We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.” Here’s to smoother sailing ahead!