Moving On - How To Prepare For Post-Pandemic Living

​Jennifer McGregor

​As 2021 is now in full swing, it’s time to start shaking off the COVID vibes and look ahead to how you can live your best life again in the coming months. Holistic health and wellness isn’t just about eating well and exercising, it’s about caring for your whole self, from head-to-toe - brain included!

Reclaim Your Physical Fitness
​Many people have spent the past several months in stretchy clothes, from the comfort of our couches, binge-watching movies and old TV series. While we can give ourselves a pandemic pass for those behaviors, it's time to get up and get moving again. This might include joining a gym or investing in home exercise equipment. According to Humana, you can even ease yourself into a new routine with a low-key type of exercise regimen that includes activities like walking, hiking, biking, or even streaming exercise classes in your own living room. The key is to get moving, which will have a positive impact on your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Take Care Of YOU
Many of us are going through our closets and wondering what still fits and what’s still fashionable after a year of living and working primarily from home. It might be time to take a pass through your closet and determine what does and doesn't stand the test of time, and keep only the items that make you feel good about yourself. You may be able to sell some of your higher-end clothing online or donate good-condition outfits to a local women's shelter or clothing charity. According to Vogue, the pandemic lock-down has actually changed the way people perceive traditional “business wear,” so check out the latest fashion trends as part of your wardrobe purge. 

Enjoy A Luxurious Break
If you're comfortable going to a spa, and are able to do so safely, give yourself permission to indulge in some head-to-toe self-care. That might include a massage, facial, or other favorite therapeutic treatments. If you're not ready to go out quite yet, you can still re-create a spa experience at home. Essential oils like sandalwood or eucalyptus paired with fluffy towels, candles, some soothing instrumental music, and a bit of seclusion can give you the pampering you need to revive and refresh your spirit.

Mind Your Emotional Health
When we talk about physical health and wellness, we sometimes forget that the mind is part of that body. That's to say that mental and emotional well-being is just as important as your overall physical health. If you've been feeling low or have anxiety, you're certainly not alone, but this is an issue you need to address. You may want to have a conversation with your primary healthcare provider about getting outside assistance, or you may feel comfortable managing it on your own through relaxation techniques and meditation.

Start A New Phase
As we come out of the pandemic, many of us are looking for new ways to live our lives. If you've ever wanted to go back to school or start your own business, now is the perfect time to act. Investigate online business formation services to help you determine what might be a good structure for you if you're interested in exploring this option. If you live in the Midwest, for example, and want to incorporate, you could start with an online search for LLC Wisconsin. Not only can launching a new business be an exciting endeavor, it can also be a positive and life-affirming event.

The last year or so has been a trying time for everyone around the globe, but as we start to re-enter the world, it’s a good time to prepare to hit the ground running, and do so in top form. Having an optimistic mental and emotional outlook, caring for yourself, and looking for ways to make yourself happy and healthy can have a positive impact on this next phase of life!
​
If you find yourself struggling with mental health issues, don’t wait to reach out for help. Contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.