Hello.
I was able to get out of the house again this week, and got my stitches removed from my surgery, finally. It hurt a lot more than I expected it to, because of one of the stitches growing into my incisions, so that was super uncomfortable and it bled a lot. My surgeon said everything is healing well, just slowly, so still take it easy. I can't push, pull, or lift anything heavier than five pounds, and I can't shower facing the water, but can actually shower if I am gentle with everything. I was able to go to the grocery store, too, with Jeff and Skylar. It's crazy seeing how many people wearing masks. I've spent most of this year in the bed, in a room with white curtains, and barely getting out of the house. So, it's weird seeing people like that. The world looks odd. I made a list of things that we can do during this time. And, you are more than welcome to save and print thing out for your own family, as well. Here are five things this week.
2020 Coronavirus Procedures:
1. Once every 10 days for supplies (if needed)
2. Plan meals for the week ahead of time
3. Make a supplies and grocery list each week as foods are eaten
4. Practice social distancing at stores
5. Stick to the list only and avoid impulse buys
6. Go to the store early in the morning, or late at night (less people)
7. Stock up on canned goods while shopping and add them to the stock
8. Use delivery when we can
9. Wear masks and gloves when out in public places (stores, gas stations, etc.)
10. Wash every items with warm, soapy water and rinse in cold water before bringing inside. (sprays work, too)
11. Stock up on water containers while out shopping. (we get five gallon containers filled at a local co-op, so we stock up when they are empty)
12. Have a staging area when you bring things into your home. (we use the garage here, but it could be a hallway, a closet, an entryway, back porch, etc.)
13. Wipe down your cart and basket at the grocery stores even if they've been sanitized by the store
14. Use hand sanitizer when entering the store, or building, and always use it when leaving. And it wouldn't hurt to sanitize your car steering wheel, handles, keys, door frames you may have touched, and seats once a week, too
15. Once home, wash your hands with soap and water for at least two minutes. Take your clothing off, and shower, if you can. Place your clothing, masks, and anything else you wore into the washing machine asap
Some of these are a bit drastic, but given our current situation with recovering from a major surgery, we've done all of these, and I was able to help out this week for some of it. Here's hoping things get a bit better before the end of summer comes. Here are five things this week.
1. This Necklace.
This necklace has been a lifesaver for me lately. Leaving the house and seeing everything right now has given me a lot of anxiety and panic issues. This necklace is by Komuso and helped me focus on my breathing over what's actually going on in my mind and heart. It helps me by focusing on my breath and trying to calm my heartrate when anxiety gets too high for me. It's happened a lot more since my surgery and especially leaving the house lately. It's a great necklace and looks like a whistle, but when exhaling through it doesn't make a whistle tone. It is just you exhaling through a small opening and exhaling slowly helps with calming your mind. The more I use it the more it helps a lot. This was a Mother's Day gift from Skylar and Jeff and the one I have is sterling silver, but it comes in other metals and also other chain lengths and materials.
-How to breathe better with the Shift Necklace:
Can you spare 2 minutes?
Do something for 30 days, and you’ll likely have a new habit. But 30 days is a long time.
What about just 2 minutes a day?
If you can carve out 2…
surely you can carve out 15?
The 3-6-5 coherent breathing technique comes with so many benefits, it’s hard to list them all in an email.
Most importantly, it increases energy and focus.
Biggest surprise as we learned about this technique: it better connects the two sides of your brain.
3 times a day
6 breaths per minute (5 sec inhale, 5 sec exhale)
5 minutes
15 minutes total.
2. This Soup.
I gave an attempt at potato soup this week and it was actually pretty easy to make. It was a spur of the moment cooking thing and we ate on it for three days. I'll post the recipe I created at a later time. I want to make it at least one more time before sharing it.
3. This Box.
Amazon has impressed me lately and their shipping boxes having cutouts on them impresses me even more. I love this concept and even left feedback to Amazon on Twitter about it. Skylar and cut them out and placed them on the homeschool classroom desk.
4. This Purchase.
Like I stated in previous posts, I've been trying to control my panic attacks with more CBD and THC products. This brand is one of my favorites, so far. beaucoup offers low dose THC products that are helpful in panic-inducing situations. I'd much rather be taking a plant into my body than the anxiety medications. The long term affects of those medications are worrisome. I still use the anxiety medication when situations get too much to handle, but these edibles have been helping a great deal.
5. This Sunset.
I will say, before moving to Oregon I never paid much attention to the sunsets, or even sun rises. I think moving here, along the edge of the west coast, gave me a new appreciation for the sunsets, for sure. The are some of the pretties I've ever seen. On our drive home this week, it really was a nice view all the way home.
Positive affirmations this week: "What are some basic guidelines to keep you focused on yourself."
I don't really have any guidelines as I do six things I keep reminding myself every day. Those six things are:
- Eat Plants.
- Study Hard.
- Spend Smart.
- Workout.
- Don't Compare.
- Be Happy.
I realize not every day is going to be as easy, but the main focus on life if just basic things. With having anxiety issues and PTSD, some days are harder than others. But, the overall goal is still the same, so reminding myself on the six basic things I need to do, it helps get me back on track after a bad mental health day.
Have a nice weekend.
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