| Hi Friend,
I hope this message finds you well! After two snow storms this week, it looks like Spring is here to stay in Chicago. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we all have a beautiful week ahead!
Here are some things I've been thinking about, a couple articles I think you'll enjoy, and a recap of this week's updates:
Mindset Big picture, I feel so fortunate to be healthy while sheltering in place, but there are ups and downs for us all. Certain things are getting easier, certain things are harder. And the challenges are different for everyone. After having a few emotional days this past week, I embraced the fact that we can simultaneously be grateful for all that we have while also feeling sadness and missing things we love about normal life. While it doesn't help to complain or wallow, I don't think there should be any shame in being honest that this is difficult. It doesn't reduce your sympathy for those who are deeply suffering. Just like we're supposed to acknowledge our children's feelings, we also shouldn't shy away from our own.
Movement
- This New York Times article covers a recent study on exercise from Columbia University Medical Center. Researchers found that a 4-day-a-week exercise regimen lowers levels of depression, hostility and other negative feelings -- even in generally healthy adults. AND those benefits can linger for weeks. It also points out that "regular exercise substantially reduces risks for clinical depression among people with a genetic predisposition to the condition [,] helps to treat serious depression if it develops... [and]often alleviates the severity of anxiety disorders..."
- I thought you'd also enjoy this WSJ article: Why Walking Matters--Now More than Ever. In case you didn't know, I'm obsessed with walking. Over the years, it's been my exercise, my meditation, my time to formulate ideas and think creatively, my "me" time, my time to learn (literally hundreds of podcasts), and my primary mode of transportation. The piece touches on how walking enhances brain activity and encourages us to walk to "keep our mental and physical worlds open and to stop the walls from closing in." Side note: no coincidence that I was feeling pretty down on the day I missed both my usual walks this week.
- I shared a home workout picture that prompted some questions about the rebounder (mini trampoline) I use. I've added a link on my Favorites* page in case you want to check it out (under Household: miscellaneous). Aside from a jump-rope, this is one of the least expensive pieces of cardio equipment you can buy, plus it folds for easy storage. It's a fun way to exercise, but I really got it for the lymphatic system benefits. Here's a full overview and some moves to try.
Headache prevention
I've been susceptible to headaches since I was about 11 years old and recently learned that they're highly linked to hormone fluctuations--particularly estrogen. This is why women are 3X more likely to suffer from headaches and migraines than men. While I haven't found a magical (natural) cure, I do have some solid prevention strategies I shared on Instagram this week. Be sure to also take a look at the comments section for additional tips shared by others. I still get them every once in a while, but I no longer have them chronically - thank goodness!
Easy & healthy meals |
| | | That's it for this week! Thank you for reading and staying connected during this crazy time. Being able to share and exchange messages with you is extra special to me right now.
Many thanks to my husband and sister for sharing the NYT and WSJ articles linked above. I'm not doing nearly as much reading / research as usual, and I appreciate them sending content with the Kaleifornian community in mind!
Sending you a huge hug and wishing you a safe, healthy, and sunny week ahead. I hope you stay well, give yourself grace, and extend that to the people around you as much as possible.
XO
Jess
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