The Gift of PAUSE

“Our grandparents were asked to go fight in battle, and we are only being asked to sit on the couch.” Many are using war-like terminology to describe how to handle COVID19.  Yes, our courageous healthcare workers are struggling through long days and nights, trying to get enough equipment and to save our lives. However, for myself sheltering at home , the analogy of war seems to produce more stress and anxiety than necessary.

Let’s think instead that this is a time to hit the PAUSE button on “real” life.  For us at home, the PAUSE is giving us an opportunity to reflect on our profession, our relationships, and our health.  Let us use this PAUSE to help our front-line professionals in the healthcare system by making healthy changes to our lives to boost our immune system that will fight infections, not only this one, but for a lifetime.

What can you be doing NOW?  Eat healthier, exercise, sleep more, meditate, and build relationships.  Even if you are overwhelmed with balancing working at home, homeschooling kids, and trying not to strangle your family, you can find time everyday to PAUSE, breathe, and devote a moment to creating the life you want.

Small changes can have big impacts in a short amount of time.  Patients have often told me that their pain decreased after one visit—not from some magical wand, but because they made a choice to create change. For example, when you make good food choices, the body responds by decreasing blood sugar, decreasing blood pressure, and increasing immunity. It takes weeks, not months, to make a difference in your health.  In 4 to 6 weeks, you can make a difference, create a new habit, and take advantage of the PAUSE.