The Quarantine Fifteen
As the days have blurred into weeks, and the weeks into months, it would certainly be nice if the numbers on the scale followed suit. Binge watching Netflix, online shopping, and food delivery becoming increasingly easy to manage…are all new facets of our lives that that have not contributed to our well-being. If you are not one of the many who have put on what is being referred to as the “Quarantine 15,” you may not need to hear this:
YES, IT’S TOTALLY NORMAL. go easy on yourself and STOP WORRYING OVER IT.
The fact that we are going through one of the strangest periods we are likely to experience in our lives is certainly a valid reason to have perhaps let the comfort eating and drinking get a bit out of control. In fact, Nielsen reports that alcohol sales have gone up nearly 500% in late April for online sales. That’s astronomical! And while 60% of surveyed Americans are cooking at home more, 32% are reporting more snacking. I guess I should think about that the next time I take a detour to the kitchen on one of my breaks.
I, for one, have noticed a change in my body. Maybe not 15 pounds, but certainly over my normal range. I work from home normally, so for me at least, that isn’t the problem. I think the problem for most of us is that we are all in some state of unease. Life is uncertain, and nothing makes humans more uncomfortable than uncertainty. So what do we need to ease our discomfort? Something that was normal, before our lives were turned upside down. For many of us, that is FOOD. While the way in which we are getting our food has certainly changed, the food itself is still (for the most part) a familiar comfort.
Add in depression, isolation, boredom - it is definitely understandable that we would be veering away from our weight & fitness goals. If it is something that is truly bothering you, adding to any emotions you are already feeling from our current situation, it may be a good time to evaluate what is going on. What changes have you made in your habits in the last six months that are not contributing to you feeling good about your weight or your body?
Mindset plays one of the most important roles in our well being. Shifting your mindset to a positive based mode of thinking will effect change more quickly than simply following a diet or exercise plan. Feeling good isn’t about looking good, contrary to the constant images and advertising we see daily. Body positivity is one of the most important values to focus on. Being realistic about our bodies, and not comparing ourselves to unattainable results, is the first step in loving your figure. Make sure that you are trying to create change for positive reasons, and hone in on the specifics of those reasons. Are you trying to fit into a pair of jeans you love, or trying to get rid of cellulite or pudge to be able to wear a swimsuit? Your feelings of self-worth may start to creep in, and sabotage your journey. So, that may not be the most positive way to look at it. Instead, try reframing your thoughts to “wow, I feel so much better when I eat healthier.” Or, “I have so much energy when I am consistent with my exercise.” Trying to fit yourself into an image that your mind has created as “skinny” or “attractive” is not an effective mindset. Shaping that image around health and feeling good is the best way to achieve your goals. In fact, you may find that once you begin reaching those goals, the former perfect image you had may have changed drastically.
This week, Teresa sat down with Elizabeth Benton, host of “Primal Potential” a top 100 Apple Podcasts, and author of the Amazon bestselling book “Chasing Cupcakes.” Through her platform of podcasts, coaching, and live events, she has fueled her deepest struggles into a burning passion to help people create transformations and live more fulfilled lives.
Thank you, Elizabeth! Here at Work2Live, we have all noticed some sluggish and unmotivated behavior, which can certainly be attributed to what we are doing on a daily basis and what we are putting in our bodies. We are all participating in a “habit log” in which we are tracking our keystone habits, our exercise and our goals. Already, we are all feeling more motivated, more on track, and certainly have more energy! Let us know how you’re doing! Thanks for joining us. Next week, tune in for a live discussion with the Work2Live staff. We will be talking about mindful social media practices and our thoughts on the trending documentary “The Social Dilemma.”
Thank you - stay mindful!