How to redirect your focus back to you

With the prevalence of COVID-19 messages and media attention, it's easy to stop focusing on our own well-being. Redirect your focus back to your personal health by paying attention to the following:

• Understand what you can control. Often our stress level increases because we focus on things we can't control. When you feel stress creeping in, stop what you are doing and try these techniques:
• Meditate for 3-minutes by closing your eyes
• At regular intervals throughout the day, pause and take five slow deep breaths
• Journal about what's on your mind.

• Eat healthy. While food alone can't prevent illness, you may help support your immune system by including these nutrients on a regular basis: protein, zinc, vitamin A, C and E, probiotics and beta carotene.
• Don't let your chair change your life. Don't sit for long periods of time. It's not good for your overall health and it drains your energy. Plan to move around once an hour. Keep small weights next to where you are sitting to strengthen your muscles. And if the weather is nice, take a break and walk outside!
• Get enough sleep. If you are working from home or have an adjusted work schedule, your sleep schedule may be off. It's important to maintain a normal sleep schedule. Lack of sleep can contribute to a weakened immune system. Make sure you are getting between 7-9 hours of sleep each night.
• Keep moving. With fitness facilities closed at the moment, it's easy to lose track of what you have accomplished with your level of physical activity. There are lots of things you can do at home to stay active.