Resilience, says Denise Ropp (Clinic Director at White Cedar Clinic), is being able to control yourself and your situation.
The events of 2020 have stolen situational control from many of us, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to self-regulate and stay resilient. It’s not easy, but it’s possible. And it’s worth it for your mental and physical health.
“There’s a great book by psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk called The Body Keeps the Score that informs a lot of what we do here,” Ropp says.“Anxiety can show up as chronic pain, and chronic pain can show up as anxiety — it’s all connected and everyone’s path to wellness will be a bit different.”
How has your health responded to the COVID-19 pandemic? Some found the initial lockdown the greatest shock, while for others it’s the mounting challenge of six months of isolation that’s slowly accumulating strain. Where is this stress showing up in your body — is it physical, mental or both?
“We can’t cure COVID-19 on our own, but we can take control of our personal health,” Ropp says, and White Cedar Integrated Wellness can help.
3 steps to thriving in a pandemic
- Recognize that this situation is stressful: “Looking after your mental health has to be paramount for everybody, and the first step to that is recognizing that the pandemic and physical distancing is present, and it’s affecting us all,” Ropp says. Are you missing family or worried about your job? Have you been able to move your body and get enough sleep?
- Step back and take time for yourself: Make a plan for your self care! Make sure you’re getting rest, drinking lots of water, and getting exercise. “Set up a time to detox from screens, news and all the electronic noise,” Ropp says. “And find a healthy way to vent and get the energy out!”
- Reach out: Remember that everyone is facing stress in these uncertain times, and continue to nurture and support your loved ones — strong relationships will help everyone thrive! If you’re looking to boost your wellness, reach out and lean on professionals for extra guidance and inspiration. Talk to a White Cedar physician, or sign up for yoga or meditation to get back in control. “The doctor’s assessment is covered by MSP, and then our clients are empowered to make educated choices and explore the many options,” Ropp says.
The White Cedar Integrated Wellness Owning You program offers 12 weeks of interactive classes, biometric tracking, nutrition coaching and exercise classes to help you find lasting resilience and explore everything the clinic has to offer. Not ready for a long commitment? Reach out for a kinesiology assessment, try a yoga class, or meet with a doctor take your first steps to finding better health.
READ MORE: See the whole picture, and find your path to wellness