Quarantine Survival

Tuesday, July 28, 2020.

I woke up really early this morning, just about sunrise...and I started to jot things down on my phone that I am thankful for when I wake up each day lately.

Every one should give this a try once in awhile, perhaps tomorrow. I promise you it gives you a boost in starting your day!

So here’s my list, in no particular order:

• Sleeping through the night
• Coffee in the morning.
• My Playlist on my phone 
• Listening to the local news talk radio from 7-8 am 
• A solid one hour walk 
• The good health of me, my children & family members
• Being around my kids, even if we aren’t all interacting all the time
• Keeping in touch with friends daily, some by text and some by phone calling
• A warm breeze that smells of a summer day
• The sunshine and moonlight view from my backyard deck
• Seeing a rainbow

These days we are all in survival mode. Our mindsets are altered more than several months ago. Our priorities have changed somewhat. We are all coping with a variety of stresses and challenging situations very differently. 

I seem to stress about things that never bothered me before-like my teenage kids going to hang out at a friend's house..."are you staying outside, how many will there be and who will be there, make sure to wash your hands and please social distance". 

I also don't stress over things I used to stress about, like constantly keeping the house tidy - since nobody comes inside anyhow...or organizing my drawers and closet every couple of weeks- the truth is, I am not wearing half of my wardrobe lately.

I do find it difficult to get things done these days, and difficult to see the light at the end of this pandemic tunnel. Everyone talks about adjusting to the "new normal", and personally I find that annoying -mostly because I just want my previous normal back. 

But, we cannot lose hope, and we have to stay positive as there are still many positive things that are going on. So I have been trying to see things from a grateful perspective. I feel that the more the coronavirus continues to cause havoc with our lives, the more we need to hear uplifting stories, words of encouragement & healing. I know I do. I am certain that I am not alone. 

Last weekend I spent a lot of time thinking about all of this. I realized as long as those close to me are healthy, all is good. 

We will all get through this pandemic as a community. In all likelihood, we will be stronger for it in a variety of ways. As the saying goes, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade". We should continue to encourage optimism so that we can live within the required restrictions.

This will be the way to learn to move forward.

Question of the day: What are you feeling more grateful for today, than you were before?

Stay safe,

Davina

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Wow, It’s Hot Out There!

This week has been a real scorcher in Montreal and surrounding Quebec regions. Obviously this is July and it’s a hot humid mess. But today the sweltering temperatures are to reaching over 40 Celsius, when the humidity is factored in.

When I asked my Facebook friends a couple of days ago about the heat, most did not have any complaints about the extreme heat. Like me, most love this heat. I just think about how cold it will be in a few short months. I love putting on a sleeveless top and shorts every day. I actually wait for this hot summer weather all year long! Personally I have zero complaints. You just have be to find ways to cope with the heat.

Here are some of my quick tips, nothing hugely scientific, but basic common sense stuff.

When going out to carry some face wipes which help refresh yourself when hot and sweaty. Your wrist and neck are your body’s cooling points so you can also place a cold wet towel on those spots.  Try to stay in the shade, out of the direct sunlight. Walk under trees and don’t forget to use sunscreen outdoors. I have often heard not to wear dark clothing in heat as it traps the heat so it’s a good idea to light colours, lightweight and airy clothes, and not tight fitting items so that your body can breathe.

You may also use a spray bottle filled with cold water to mist your face and neck. Lately when I am outside on my deck I keep a spray bottle with me. This really helps me cool off.

It is not recommended to work out outdoors unless you are swimming laps in a pool or lake. So plan to exercise mindfully indoors, with air conditioning and proper ventilation.

Eat foods with high nutrients otherwise you may become lethargic. You have to replenish the nutrients your body needs. Try to eat food with some water content like fruit and vegetables. And, again drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Stay away from alcohol and caffeine since those two are known to dehydrate your body, which is the last thing you need in this weather.

If you do not have air conditioning, one old trick is placing a tray of ice in front of a fan to cool off a room. Close all the blinds to keep out the sunlight.

If you are able to get to a pool or a body of water, cooling off your body with a dip is great relief and brings down your body temperature. Yesterday I spent the day by a lake for a change and it made a huge difference.

Lastly, If you feel unwell or you are having symptoms of heat stroke such as headache, dizziness, vomiting or diarrhea, get some medical attention.

Question of the day- How do you cope with the extreme heat?

Stay Safe & Stay Cool,

Davina

Please "Like" my Facebook Page, Just Ask Davina