Let’s take a moment to acknowledge that while some of us are heading back to work and fun, many people and places are still in the throes of the pandemic. We can stand in solidarity with them and care for ourselves with gratitude for being able to resume our regular activities.

For some of us, life is starting to resemble our pre-pandemic existence. Stores, schools, and restaurants are reopening. Mask mandates are lifting.
It’s easy to get excited about returning to familiar routines, but life may never be quite the same as it was B.C. (Before COVID). Quarantine, working from home, and constantly changing requirements have taken some toll on all of us. If you can, this might be the perfect time to pause and take some important self-care steps as you segue into your new normal.

Here are six steps to get you started!

1. Make an Appointment with Your Doctor.

As you re-enter the world, your doctor can give you valuable information. A check-up can give you a good baseline so you know what areas of your health need some extra TLC.

Ask for a head-to-toe evaluation.
Request full blood work and a follow-up to discuss the results.
Be sure to ask for a comparison between your last exam and this one.

If there are unwanted changes in weight, blood pressure, or other significant numbers, discuss these with your doctor. Make sure you leave with a plan of action to get back on track.

Don’t forget your mental health. We have all been affected by the pandemic in some way. Talk to your doctor or a therapist about any psychological concerns you have.

2. Schedule Screening Exams.

Screenings are vital for our overall health. Understandably, they were often forgotten during the pandemic. You may feel fine, but remember that early detection is key to longevity, especially when it comes to cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, cancer screening tests and early-stage treatments can save thousands of lives each year.

Here are some of the screenings you might want to consider.

Mammogram
Pap Smear
Colonoscopy
Dermatology Screenings

If there are any others that have been on your mind, please add them to the list. Your intuition might be trying to tell you something. You’ll probably feel more at ease once you listen to it and follow through.

3. Beauty Is in the Eyes of the Beholder.

When people think of visiting the doctor, they tend to forget about the eyes. They need attention, too! A routine eye exam isn’t just for vision changes. An optometrist can detect high cholesterol, diabetes, certain cancers, brain tumors, and even aneurysms. If you wear glasses, why not upgrade to a super cute pair? You deserve it after the last crazy year!

4. Say Cheese!

According to the American Dental Association, more than 70% of dentists polled reported an increase in stress-related conditions like teeth grinding and clenching. Request a full assessment from the dentist and a comprehensive cleaning from a hygienist.

I don’t know about you, but I missed three of my routine biannual dental cleanings. To make matters worse, my sugar intake increased during lockdown, so I wasn’t surprised to learn I had a cavity. Thankfully it was an easy fix, and I got my x-rays completed as well.

Your mouth is linked to several serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Take control of your mouth and smile big knowing you are in the clear.

5. Assess your Fitness.

If you are one of those people who maintained your pre-COVID-19 workout routine throughout the pandemic, you amaze me. I, personally, did not. If you’re in the same boat, talking to your doctor could be a great first step. Discuss any changes in body metrics or fitness level you’d like to work on.

After speaking with a healthcare professional, check out your options. Which setting are

you most comfortable with? Which one do you think will help you achieve your goals? If you frequented the gym pre-pandemic, this might be your best bet. It’s often easier for our brains to restart an old habit rather than create a brand new one.

If you want to exercise from home, you have a ton of great options. For example, many people have taken to online fitness coaches and personal trainers. This market exploded during quarantine. Instagram alone offers thousands of different trainers willing to design a program specifically for you. Your options include private and semi- private training, nutrition coaching, and more. Take some time to find the trainer that makes you feel most comfortable. Don’t get discouraged if the first one or two you try are not quite right. You can find the professional that is right for you.

6. Fur Babies

Let’s not forget our beloved pets. They have been with us through all the ups and downs of pandemic life. Veterinarians across the country are overwhelmed with the number of appointments flooding in for overdue exams, vaccines, and general care. Appointments could be weeks out, so schedule your pet’s wellness exam as soon as you can.

If you have been home full-time and you are heading back out to work, your pet may experience some separation anxiety at first. Discuss best practices for this transition with your veterinarian, and be sure to give your fur baby some extra love when you are at home. Our pets are sensitive to change and may need a little time to adjust.

Most importantly, acknowledge that you have just been through a crazy, constantly changing life experience for over a year. Approach your self-care with gentleness and patience, the way you would for a friend, loved one, or child. Don’t beat yourself up if your health and fitness suffered during the pandemic. You did the best you could, and that is enough. Do what you can when you can as you ease your way back into some sense of normalcy. Let’s find our way back to better health together.

Your mind and body will thank you.

❤️ GG

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