First and foremost, you don't have to keep your normal wellness routine right now because it's not a normal time at all. Everything about our day-to-day lives has been put on pause or shifted. As lockdowns continue to be extended, no one knows what "normal" should really look like, either now or in the future. 

At a time when it's hard to go on Instagram without seeing people training for marathons, becoming chefs, or learning three new languages at once, it can be easy to feel like you're not doing enough. Instagram can be a great place to connect, but it can also become too much for our mental health and sanity at times like this.

Ahead, Dria Murphy the founder and CEO of Alise Collective, shares her tips for finding a middle ground where you're challenging yourself just enough, not letting yourself get into a slump, but also being gentle and realistic with yourself. 

Redefine Wellness for Yourself

Wellness can really mean a lot of different things. Part of my wellness routine before COVID-19 was connecting with friends over dinner and drinks, trying new self-care treatments, working out, and various "wellness-y" things like getting outside to enjoy the city, etc.

Those things that once kept me feeling good are, obviously, all on pause for now, so I need to shift my expectations along with the shift in reality. To me, wellness looks different, and I'm constantly checking in with what I feel my body needs, whether that's more sleep, a call with my family, or takeout from a local restaurant.

Bookend Your Days

I have been starting every single day with the ness digital and ending every day with a walk by the Hudson, rain or shine. I actually rearranged my living room to fit a mini trampoline so I could continue to take my favorite classes from the ness, which is the one thing in normal life and in quarantine that keeps me sane and takes my mind off my to-do list.

I have been making sure to cap my workday off with a walk outdoors (protected with a mask on, of course), it's something I now look forward to. I can't skip either of these things and they're now built into my routine. They give me a sense of structure when everything feels so up in the air and the days start to blend together.

Little Things Can Make a Big Difference

I know right now everything can seem like "what's the point," but it's so important to remember the small rituals. This will look different for everyone, but for me, this has become making my morning matcha and taking my Motiva multivitamin every single day. I have been loving Golde matcha turmeric blend and I add maca Prima "go-to" elixir with CBD with oat milk of course.

I am also taking time for my skincare routine and I've been using Bawdy Beauty butt masks because why not! Also reading a book before bed after taking Well Told Health relaxation booster and actually getting dressed in the morning have helped. These make the biggest difference in making me feel well. We're used to living life all over the place but our worlds have now become our homes. It's a luxury to have time for the small things, and ultimately, that’s what is important. 

Journal

Normally, I only write a gratitude list, but I've been writing a little bit more every night before bed. I think it's important for a few reasons; first, it helps me stay off my phone and my news app before bed; second, it does help to get your emotions out of your head and on to paper, especially at such a difficult time; and third, I really think one day I will want to look back on this experience and see how we have all grown from it. Documenting the days in lockdown feels important to me. 

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help

I say this all the time, but I really think mental health is one of the most important and most neglected parts of wellness. You can drink all the celery juice in the world, take every workout class, and try every supplement but it doesn't matter if you don't build your inner relationship and really understand yourself. Therapy is so important, in my opinion, and especially now, do not be afraid to reach out for help. 

About the Author: Dria Murphy is the founder and CEO of Alise Collective. Prior to founding her own creative, brand-building company, Dria held communications and PR roles at top fashion houses including Calvin Klein, Topshop, and Ralph Lauren. Dria launched Alise Collective in 2015 and now represents a curated network of like-minded lifestyle and wellness clients. In 2019, she co-founded the ness, an exclusive boutique community-based fitness studio that offers beat-based trampoline cardio and muscle-sculpting classes and is now offering the ness digital as well.

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