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We’re feeling countless emotions as we try to cope during these uncertain times. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or fearful, how can you take care of yourself and others during this challenging time? Thibodaux Regional Health System wants to remind you that we’re all in this together, and our Wellness Education Center is here to provide you with information and tools that you can use and benefit from.

Nourish: It’s so important to nourish our bodies, not only to support a healthy immune system, but also to ensure we are consuming nutrients our bodies need in order to function at its best. This may be a unique phase for some (from eating out to cooking at home, using what is available in the pantry). For easy and healthy recipes using pantry staples, visit www.thibodaux.com/news/2020/april/taking-care-of-yourself-during-a-crisis/.

Exercise: Just because we can’t go to the gym or our favorite class, doesn’t mean we have to skip exercising. Discover online workout classes that you can do while social distancing (in your home, backyard, at the park). Because so many people are working from home, many fitness apps and websites are offering discounts.

Mental Health: Practice social media and news distancing or implement some boundaries on time spent consuming content right now. Stay informed with evidence-based and reliable sources, though some outlets may be adding to the noise and not positively affecting your wellbeing.

View changes in our routines and lives as a great opportunity to slow down and prioritize our health and wellbeing, and to prioritize what matters most.

Begin a practice of gratitude. It may not sound like much, but research shows that a daily gratitude practice is good for us, helping reduce stress, sleep better, and stay healthier. For example, thinking about the sacrifice of first responders, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on the front lines or the countless number of workers stocking grocery store shelves gives many of us an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

Go outside! Studies show when we spend more time outdoors, even just 10 minutes a day, it can improve our health, and decrease anxiety and stress.

Fun! Joy, happiness, and having fun are as important to our health as good nutrition and exercise. Make time for doing the things in life that bring you joy such as exploring hobbies you once did frequently, picking up a new skill, cooking, getting lost in a good book, or listening to music.

So let’s all do our part to support each other during this challenging time. Focus on gratitude and positivity, reflect, be mindful, and be resilient!

Lilli Rozanski, MS, RDN, LDN, is the Sports and Fitness Dietitian for the Thibodaux Regional Health System and can be reached at 985.493.4765.