It is April 5th, 2020, and I have one question for you.
How are you?
With the continuation and exacerbated condition of the COVID-19 pandemic, this might be a challenging question to answer. You may feel physically well. Heck, you may even be one of the strong ones, unphased by the "stay home" orders and are socially and mentally doing well also.
Regardless of how you respond to the initial question, I have one response for you.
Developing healthy habits I hope!
Like every other email, letter, and news article I have read lately, let me start by saying that I genuinely hope that you are safe, well, and maintaining some sort of routine that allows some hint of normalcy.
Now that we have handled the essential "well-being" statement, I hope that you are using this time wisely.
If you think as I do, this will relate… I've always wondered how much I could get done if I were granted an unlimited amount of time. Could I get all of those projects done? Spend more time with my family? Learn a new skill? Improve my health and fitness? Grow stronger in the ways I see myself when not restricted by the finite resource of time?
That request has been granted, and I'm going to test the limits of my productivity. I urge you to do the same.
Below are the most important five areas in my life right now. I want to discuss ways we can improve in these areas, and I will share what I am individually working on during our 'down-time.' Until next time, stay safe, protect your family, and let's all come out of this with improved habits and as a better version of ourselves.
PHYSICAL HEALTH
The number one hurdle to improving your physical health is TIME. Since you have it, start a routine. Walk once per day. Make it fun and have challenges within your home or online. Commit to doing one thing each day that is positive for your physical health.
Our family's goal is to do something active after each meal. It may be a walk, basketball game, playing catch, or having a wall-sit/push-up/plank challenge.
I'm working up to running 5-6 days per week, typically in the morning, and strength training 3-4 times per week, usually at night. With the extra time, having 90-120 minutes each day to exercise is doable. Remember, once fitness is obtained, it is easier to maintain. Meaning, when we have to go back to the usual grind of work and life, exercising a few times each week will keep what you earn during this downtime.
FAMILY HEALTH
What has your kid's been begging you to do? Unless it is going to Disneyland, you have the time to do it. Take time each day to do what one of your kids wants to do, minimal restrictions. Their imagination might prove to be a refreshing break from our turbulent times.
We have committed to playing a family game every day. Right now, we are really into Ticket To Ride and Cover Your Assets.
PROFESSIONAL HEALTH
What work project, or side hustle, have you been dreaming about getting started, or finished, but just haven't had the time. Commit to it, and DO IT!
My big three to accomplish during this downtime are 1. Catch up on all of our blog posts and exercise videos. 2. Automate many of the technical processes in our office. 3. Update our website. Bonus: LEARN - Currently, I'm working through a strength and conditioning certification and a golf-specific stretch program.
MENTAL HEALTH
Improvements in mental health are hard and take chunks of time. Which is why many people don't work in this area of their well-being. We can meditate, read, journal, pray, explore nature, etc. What helps you be at ease? Do that!
I have committed to journaling 15-minutes each morning and ending my day with 30-minutes of reading something inspirational. Right now, I'm reading 'The Courage To Be Disliked.'
As a bonus, I'm learning the piano, but that may hinder my mental health progress. Ha!
SOCIAL HEALTH
Since we are supposed to be social distancing, though I will argue it is physical distancing, this area needs attention. We are human, and the only way we have survived this long and will continue to do so is by social interaction. We have unlimited technology, so find one person each day and call them, write to them, spend all day texting with them, just be sociable.
Outside of spending time with my family, I have committed to calling one friend each day. Using my journal as inspiration, which starts with gratitude, I'm writing one or two people each day. Maybe you will get a letter from me?
In times of challenge, the robust and adaptable will prosper. Inside our clinic, we deal with the physically afflicted, but there is so much more to your overall health. Physical limitations can have an impact on each of these areas, but when the physical restriction is remedied, you still have to work on these other areas.
Wishing you all the very best in health and safety! We look forward to seeing you, talking with you, and helping you in the future.
-Dr. Reheisse
Dr. Reheisse is a Board Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician practicing in Cottonwood Heights Utah. Revive Sport & Spine provides evidence-supported chiropractic care and conservative sports injury management.