So, we just discussed a handful of tips to rest better and avoid catching Corona.
But that’s not all. We’ve talked a lot about the physical… but what leads the body is the brain.
Let’s look at that a little.
MIND YOUR MIND’S DIET
In fact, while we’re on the topic of the subconscious and diets and all that (read part 1 for a recap), there’s a diet most people don’t consider. Your mind’s. Sure, we wanna stay informed. But, log onto social media too much or view the news all day and you’re bound to go batty. (No pun intended.) There’s just too much conflicting information, incorrect information, or updates. You bake your brain before the morning’s even over. Uncertainty on that level breeds a sort of hopelessness. Motivation wanes. Nothing feels like it matters. This is often the culprit behind poor nutritional choices, the decision to eschew exercise, Netflix binges, and late nights. If nothing matters, why bother being our best selves? Meanwhile, the truth is that – all along – that’s a perspective we’ve created in our own brains, based off what we chose to focus on. What I’ve done is set my phone for important updates. Other than that, if anything major happens, I know I’ll hear about it from someone eventually, seeing as people can’t seem to shut up about it. (Myself included, apparently.) The less extra stress, the better rest you get.
READ THE SCIENCE BEHIND WHY…
Instead, be well read. For example, I’m sitting here spouting off about why you should do all these things in the name of sleep.
Meanwhile, you’re probably wondering, what’s the point? Why should I?
Science, Mar. That’s who. In fact, according to the pros “optimal sleep schedule would be from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. because of our body’s natural circadian rhythm and the fact that it mimics the sun’s rising and falling”. Did that convince you? Maybe. And maybe you need more convincing about why sleep helps you fight viruses and infections in general. So here we go. During snooze time, there’s a chemical process that literally helps you combat corona. While you’re blissfully slumbering, your immune system releases cytokines – proteins (some of which help promote sleep and some of which help you fight infection or the effects of stress). These are crucial. We need these. Without sleep, we don’t get to have as many of them. What’s more, when you don’t get your dose of doze before daybreak, infection fighting antibodies hit an all time low. And this unhealthiness is a disgusting gift that keeps giving. Sleep deprivation long term ups your chances of obesity, diabetes, and heart problems. And guess what bucket that all puts you into? The “pre-existing condition” category. I’d drop the mic but I wasn’t using one to start with because of germs. So, instead, I’ll dismount my box literally made of soap because shoes carry corona for five days (another fact brought to you by science). Point here? There’s a reason why sleep helps you fight any virus. But, more than that, knowing why, on a scientific level, we should do anything from getting sleep to washing our hands (spoiler: it physically dismantles the virus) does two things. A.) It increases the chances of us making healthy choices a priority and B.) It finally gives us some certainty about something during a time of massive uncertainty. We like to pretend we’re any better than that two year old you’re quarantined with who’s endlessly asking “why?”. But we aren’t. The wonder keeps us up at night, long after the distractions are gone. So, put down Tiger King and use that smartphone for something other than Mia Khalifa when you’re not working. Get your questions answered. By reputable sources.
HOBBIES AS A SOPORIFIC
Then, while you’re setting your phone for updates, set an alarm on it too. What’s a hobby you love? Don’t lie to me. I know you’ve got at least one. Set some time in your schedule to paint, read, write, and so on. If you legitimately don’t have a “thing”, then schedule a reward between your work. Meditation. Playing a brain game online .Journaling. Break up your work with something that reminds you than not all of life is work and torpor. Especially if you’re having a grey day like we are over here in Northern VA. Feeling fulfilled is an absolute anxiety eradicator and subsequent sleep aid. My only caveat is to treat them like coffee. Do them earlier in the day, let them give you energy, and then allow the wave of self satisfaction about a good day serve as a sleep aid later.
THE SPAWN EXCUSE
Got kids? Let me guess. This is gonna be your new excuse about why your life is going to pieces, you can’t exercise, eat right, or do anything else to stay healthy? Yeah, a great many of my friends are parents. And they’re handling it like badazzes. So, I don’t wanna hear about how you can’t control them enough to do your work. Or work out. Or eat well. You controlled them for however many years of school it was before now when the law controlled you. You got them on a bus because the law said so. You got them in a school seat because the law said so. They did it all because you enforced it. Now, the law is that apparently you have to be the substitute teacher for the next few months. So, use that same energy you did (screaming to get them on a massive vehicle without seatbelts and with a total stranger before you were late for work) to make them do math and science quietly now. And if they’re being monsters? Make them do push ups to burn off energy. Family workouts FTW. (Maybe if you do it in solidarity, it’ll be a nice bonding experience.) Still monsters? Hey, all I’m gonna say is that CPS hasn’t been picking up their phone for the kids who actually need it. Reminding them of that alone might make them actually shape up…
(“This MF spittin’…”)
END TIMES
And, after all that, I want one final alarm on your phone. We keep talking about biblical end times. But I want a work end time from you. I don’t care if it’s five or six – just stick to it. Complete with an annoying alarm set to go off. Now, this one works best if you have a separate corner or room in your house where your work laptop lives. The context of separation tells your brain that that space is only for work-you. And, when the alarm goes off, everything gets put down. When we fail to do this, we remain in “work mode” by the time we hit the hay. So, for now, the laptop is lava after the alarm. Stop trying to be a martyr. No one’s gonna applaud you for the extra cells on that spreadsheet. You don’t have to overwork just to prove that you’re being super productive when doing nothing and going nowhere is truly the heroic thing right now. Just do your work when you normally would, fit in some body and brain health between it, and take advantage of the alarm going off a little later. Then, put down your pens and pencils and hand in your exams when the buzzer sounds for wind down mind down time.
Hope these tips help!