Taking Care of YOU during Winter Social Distancing: Thriving during COVID-19
As a coach, educator, and speaker with expertise in positive psychology, many clients have asked how I maintain and build Optimism and Resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they can strengthen these areas for their organizations and teams. This blog shares ways I support my wellbeing through exercise, mindfulness, giving back, and social distance gatherings during the Winter season. I continue to run my business, Sarah Scala Consulting, from home.
How I am staying healthy while staying home
Riding my road bike on a trainer using Peloton. Peloton has a FREE 30-day trial offer right now, At first, I thought it only included spinning classes, however, the app also includes: treadmill, walking, running, weights, stretching, and yoga workouts with different instructors and different lengths of time. My preference are 30 minute cycling workouts listening to hip-hop! I try to do spinning every other day. (To do Peloton cycling workouts, you don’t have to own a Peloton bike. You can use any bicycle with a separate trainer, like I use.)
Spinning with a Peloton class in my living room.
Outside bike rides, hikes, runs, and walks when the weather is warm enough. I have been taking my e-bike out for short rides at times of the day that don't seem to have as much traffic on the Charles River Bike Path in Boston, MA. I have also been enjoying local and state parks that have excellent trails! Having canceled my gym membership in March of 2020 due to the pandemic, I have been using the outdoors as my gym to keep in shape!
Walking, jogging, or running on my treadmill. I use the treadmill when the weather is too cold or rainy to be outside. When I do these activities, I typically am either watching a movie on Hulu, catching up on YouTube videos, or listening to podcasts. I even watch webinars or have short meetings from my treadmill! It's great to not feel guilty about watching videos because I can also get my exercise in by #multitasking! I have been successful by adding a short piece of plywood on top of my handlebars of the treadmill.
Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing. When we have had some snow in the Greater Boston area, I have been snowshoeing in nearby parks like the Minuteman National Historic Park or cross country skiing laps at Victory Field in Watertown, MA, which is very close to my home. I am thankful to have these beautiful, local places to adventure!
How I Maintain Connections with Others
Throughout the pandemic, neighbors and friends have come to visit on my back deck. We are able to spread apart and wear masks. During the recent winter months, guests bring their sleeping bags and we have tea or hot chocolate. It is definitely worth braving the cold to stay connected socially with friends!
Friends gather on my porch for social distance catch-ups 6+ feet apart with masks.
How I am supporting my Mental Well-being
Besides maintaining strong physical health, I am also focusing on supporting my mental well-being. With social distancing and all the stress of what's going on with #COVID-19 and the news, I feel that this is even more important now!
Giving Back. To support my community, I volunteer with the International Coach Federation - New England Chapter. I served as the VP of Education and Programming in 2020, and currently serve on the Programming Committee in 2021. Here are some other ways I gave back from a distance in 2020.
Journaling. I write in my journal each day, as I have for a number of years. I write about five things I'm grateful for, five things that would be great to have happen in the day, and five things that I Am (5-5-5). Using this structure for my journaling helps me to reflect back on the past with gratitude, set my intentions for the day, and check in with the present moment. I use an app, Journey, on my Samsung Tab tablet with my stylus so I can write out my thoughts and feelings each morning.
Strengthen your wellbeing with my digital course:
Optimism, Resilience, and Grit: Sustaining Success at Work and Home
Leave a comment below to share what you're doing to be successful during social distancing.
About the Author:
Sarah Scala is a senior talent management leader and executive coach with 20+ years of experience providing organization development, change management, and leadership development solutions for diverse global and local industries. She is a collaborative consultant, coach, and educator supporting performance transformation of executives, leaders, and teams. Sarah is a methodical, results-driven leader recognized for helping clients reach their highest potential, increase revenue, reduce turnover, elevate business profitability, build competencies, and improve performance.
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