COVID-19 has led to despondence that has impacted the state of our mental and physical health. While we may not have much control over the things around us, the good news is that we can still take care of ourselves. According to Catherine Clark, Owner and Founder of The Harvest Table, taking control of your life will not only improve your overall wellness, but will also give you a greater sense of hope for the future.
“This pandemic has interrupted our ability to be the best version of ourselves, but we cannot allow uncertainty, anxiety and stress to consume us. We need to take charge of our lives by being more intentional about coping with our current reality and create a life to look forward to,” says Catherine.
She offers 7 things you can do now, that your future self will thank you for:
1. Declutter: Have you walked into a cluttered room and immediately felt uneasy? That is because anything that presents as disordered can make one feel anxious. Decluttering is an excellent way to reduce anxiety, improve decision-making, energise a tired mind and reduce relationship tension. It also helps ease yourself into getting things done. The byproduct is self-efficacy which is especially beneficial during uncertain times.
2. Learn something new: Learning has been proven to alter the structure of the brain by forming more neural pathways. It is important for both brain development and future-proofing your success. [1]A recent study by ManpowerGroup listed a lack of hard skills as one of the top drivers of skills shortages in the job market. But guess what? You can be the solution. Upskilling yourself can help you become more employable and improve your career progression. Fortunately, it doesn’t always have to come at a cost. There are reputable institutions that offer free online courses.
3. Practice gratitude: Gratitude has been scientifically proven to be beneficial for fostering relationships, improving physical and mental health. [2]People who practice gratitude are less stressed, have improved self-esteem and experience fewer aches and pains. If you constantly chase after the next thing, you will never be satisfied with your life. Being thankful is a simple reminder that you have enough.
4. Practice forgiveness: Forgiveness can affect our emotional and physical well-being. [3]Research shows that forgiveness has benefits including, low blood pressure, improved sleep, less anxiety, lower risk of heart attacks and less pain. It also safeguards you against a life of resentment and instead, cultivates positivity and strengthens your mental and physical health.
5. Eat clean: Clean eating has become synonymous with weight management, but it’s about being conscious of the quality of the food you consume. A diet that consists of nutrient-dense foods fuels your body to function optimally and maintain your energy levels throughout the day. Improved health, brain agility and a happier you are only a few of the benefits of eating clean.
6. Supplement: As you age, your body’s ability to effectively absorb nutrients declines. Although you may be eating healthy, you may not be meeting your daily dietary requirements. Supplements like bone broth can assist ensure that your body functions well by sealing up any holes in the lining of your stomach and nourish the gut with important nutrients.
7. Laugh more: Laughter is still the best medicine. It can improve your health by lowering stress, boosting your memory and strengthening your relationships. It has also been proven to make you a better learner by helping you engage well with new material. Laughter perfectly sums up how you can improve the quality of your life.
“The aftermath of this pandemic will have an impact on our overall well-being, but there is a life after COVID-19. You are your best investment, so implement small changes that your future self will thank you for,” Catherine concludes.
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ABOUT HARVEST TABLE
Since inception in 2018, The Harvest Table has been creating pure, wholesome products packaged earth consciously to change the lives of our customers positively by educating them and helping them to make better food choices daily.
For more information, please visit: www.theharvesttable.co.za
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