During this COVID-19 crisis, it is crucial that we tend to our wellness — especially that of our children — to ensure that when this pandemic is over, we come out healthy — body, mind, and soul, said Melisa Garcia, owner and trainer at the DoU studio at the Kukui Grove Center.
“These trying times should not be taken lightly,” Garcia said. “However, I think there is a difference between concern and chaos. I think there is a difference between giving up on life/hope, and still continuing to push forward and living — a difference between trying to see the positives versus wallowing in the negatives, what if’s, and complaining about things that are out of our control.”
Garcia says there are countless benefits of exercise — weight control, reducing the risk of heart disease, managing blood sugar, improving mental health and mood, bone and muscle health, boosting the immune system, increasing energy, helping with sleep quality, and more.
“Most of us are stuck at home so there should be no excuse for not enough time to exercise or to food prep,” she said. “Choose to come out of this quarantine being a little more fit and positive versus stressed and drained. It is not about going ‘all out’ every day, but rather, just get your body moving a little.”
DoU also allows group classes, one-on-one sessions, and even offers Zoom workouts that can be done in the comfort of home.
When it comes to food, Garcia said most people start with the basics of calorie allotment. This can be done by searching the internet for a calorie allotment calculator. Garcia said she can also help people with this, as well.
“I believe in flexible dieting,” she said. “It is not about restricting yourself from any food group, but rather working with your allotment and eating what works for you.”
“If this is too much effort, you can still make progress by choosing any of the following: controlling how much you are eating (portion sizes), cutting back on sugary drinks, limiting fried foods, choosing chicken/fish sources, prepping your meals ahead of time, healthy snack swapping (fruits instead of sweets, veggies instead of chips), designate one meal a day consisting of only whole natural foods, and limiting the amount of ‘junk’ foods you buy. It is not about perfection, but rather, strive for progress.”
Garcia said body, mind, and soul wellness applies to children, too.
“If you thought you were depressed when the quarantines first hit, our children have it worse,” Garcia said. “They are stuck at home — no socializing, no movement, limited mental engagement, and unlimited access to snacking all day. It is our responsibility to help them. Although we have no control over our current situation, let us do our best to help them adapt.”
Some ideas on this “adaptation” include encourage movement by bike riding and playing outside; limiting their snacks by packing and portioning their lunch, and limiting sugary drinks.
“Be an example,” she said. “Talk to them. Ask them how all of this is affecting them. If you are spiritual, pray with them. We’ve had years of experience to learn how to deal with challenges; they, however, are just expected to adjust to the constant changes without being able to process their emotions, or even comprehend.”
Garcia suggests focusing on bettering yourself and your family during this time.
“What you focus on expands,” she said. “Trust me, I think our current situation ‘sucks’ just like the next person, but how about instead, we try to focus on the opportunities that self-isolation has given us — quality time with our families, recognizing which of our friends we appreciate and bring value to our lives, having time to complete the home tasks that you always said you had no time for, finding different hobbies, reading, praying, and bettering yourself.”
How we decide to interpret our situation is key in staying positive, Garcia said. “Is your perception your power, or your prison?”
“What do we currently have control over?” she said. “Only ourselves, our attitude and effort. Instead of feeding into the fear and chaoses, let’s do our part to try and stay calm, positive, and hopeful. We’re in this together, let’s not ‘sink the ship’ with our worries and anxiety. Be the one to shine some light of optimism in this storm. Control ourselves and do our part in self-isolation. Continue to work on ourselves — body, mind, and soul. Choose not to be stuck.”
“It is normal to get discouraged,” Garcia said. “You might experience a number of emotions, but I believe by changing your mindset, you will not only get through this in one mentally-healthy piece, but definitely a stronger individual. This is life for all of us at the moment, so do what you can, where you are, with what you have. Stay calm. Have Faith, Be Safe, Remain hopeful. Stay positive. Love your life!”
