We Can Do Hard Things

Case numbers are on the rise locally and nationally, many schools are going back to remote-learning from home, getting together with friends and family is restricted, and on top of it all, the holidays are right in front of us.

It’s enough to make any of us cry…and may have already.

Let’s get real, this time is hard. 

We not only see it with clients but feel it ourselves at times. But you know what?

We can do hard things.

And, we can do hard things…together.

During this challenging time, Dr. Graves is sharing tips on how to keep your emotional reserves from getting depleted.  Following, he gives insights on what to do for ourselves and for our children when times get tough.

Feeling emotionally spent?

Replenish your emotional bank account with any of the following:

1. Be Gentle on Yourself. Forgive yourself and allow for mistakes. Accept that things may not be perfect right now and that that is okay.

2. Zoom Out. It’s not ideal, but it’s not the end of the world to have a year or two that looks different than others. It doesn’t define you, your family, our schools and education, or our country.

3. Invest In Yourself. Your emotional health is worth one hour a week right now. Acupuncture, massage, counseling, yoga, hiking, swimming, etc. are all healthy ways to stay stable and resilient during these times.

4. Take Advantage of a New Schedule. Not commuting to work? Spouse at home now?  Use any new (even if brief) freedoms to take care of yourself.  Schedule a massage on your lunch break or acupuncture for when you would typically be in the car.

5. Ask for Help. You can’t be supermom, superdad, superworker, etc. every minute of every day – especially right now. Ask your spouse to prepare an extra meal or two a week, teach your kids to fold their own clothes, and don’t be afraid to reach out for support at work.

6. Take Supplements. Whether it’s for stress, sleep, pain, or immunity, the CNMA office has a variety of specially targeted herbal supplements designed to help you feel better.

Such options as CBD tinctures or pills as well as Lavela WS 1265™ by Integrative Therapeutics are helpful options for immediate calm.

7. Eat Dark Chocolate. Yes, you read that right! Tryptohan is a component in dark chocolate that converts to 5-HTP and eventually, serotonin which lifts mood.  So eat up!

8. Get Good Sleep. If you aren’t sleeping now, chances are you won’t start any time soon with all the added stress. Schedule a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation with Dr. Graves to discuss what naturopathic options may be of help so you can get well-needed zzzz’s.

Kids are just as sensitive to the times right now as we are. 

Keep them in mind with the following:

1. Teach Them to Flow With it. We are in a state of change and it’s okay for things not to be normal right now. But how are you dealing with it?  Are you resisting the change or flowing with it?  Kids are watching how you react so inspire them to be flexible, too.

2. Be Authentic in Front of Them. It’s okay to cry in front of your kids. Emotions are real and not something to hide.  Showing them that you sometimes feel sad and overwhelmed can help them learn to deal with their own emotions in a healthy manner.

3. Encourage Flexibility. We all want some sense of normalcy right now, but it’s okay not to have a big turkey dinner on Thanksgiving or tons of presents at Christmas. This year, explore other options that can be new and fun such as snowshoeing and a winter picnic or snow tubing followed by fondue in front of the fireplace.

4. Get Creative with Boredom. Let your child pick a project that is her/her own for when they feel bored. Have them create their own blog on a topic, provide them a professional art set and let them watch online tutorials on how to use it, or encourage them to pick an instrument to play and sign up for virtual lessons.

5. Connect. When we adults are living too much in our heads, we can forget what it feels like to be a kid. Snuggle on the couch with cozy blankets and favorite stuffed animals, cuddle up under the covers and read books, or give a gentle massage or back rub to your child before bed.  Closeness can help them feel safe when other things seem uncertain.

Times may be challenging right now, but we will get through it.  We CAN do hard things and we can do them together.

If you are in need of stress-relief, mood balance, better sleep, calmer digestion, pain management, or any other health support, please call us at (303) 688-6698 or click here to schedule a free 15 minute phone call with Dr. Graves to discuss further.

CNMA provides naturopathic medicine for Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Centennial, Lone Tree, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, and the greater Denver metro area.