3 Things Keeping Me Balanced through Quarantine
1.Working out 5x a week
I’ve always enjoyed working out and for most of my life it’s been a habit that was instilled in me from playing soccer, running cross-country, and then marrying the most athletic person I know. So, I get for some people 5x a week might sound like a lot and for others maybe not enough. However, for me, it’s been the perfect balance during this weird time.
I usually do my workouts in the morning after having a cup of coffee and spending some time reading. Before quarantine, my workouts consisted of 3-4x week at Rukus Cycling studio and then PureBarre on-demand 2-3x a week. With studios being closed and my body definitely needed a break from all of that cardio, I’ve totally changed my workout plan.
Nowadays, I’m loving the free Pamela Reif workouts on YouTube. Pamela has always created some of my favorite free workout content, but since COVID-19, she’s gotten better. Every Sunday she releases a week’s worth of workouts (5 days of toning and HITT, 1 day of yoga, and 1 rest day) on her Instagram stories. My favorite as of late is her 15-minute Dance workout, and it’s the most fun I’ve had working out.
2. Putting make-up on
This is like my 30 minutes of therapy each and every day. I’m all about self-care, and for me that is exactly what make-up is. Since I’m in sales at a fully remotely company (we’ve always been remote), it was normal for me to get up everyday and do a full face of make-up and start my Zoom Meetings.
I get it - some people probably thing it’s so strange I have blush and bronzer on at 9 am in my house, but it’s how I feel most confident and ready for the day. And for me, since I’m selling a service, I want to present both myself and the company the best I can. I’m also all about my Zoom backdrop looking bright and clean as well.
The make-up thing for me also brings some normalcy in to my day to day that I know a lot of us are missing during quarantine. It’s something I was doing before COVID-19, and since my 9-5 hasn’t changed, I didn’t see the point in changing that. This one is something I totally get if you do not want to do. And many of you were blessed with gorgeous skin that looks flawless on camera, and I say flaunt that gorgeous, make-up free skin!
3. Getting creative in the kitchen
A few months ago my sweet and talented friend, Erin (you should checkout her photography), and I went to Savannah, GA. We pretty much went to Savannah and ate the most delicious food every waking hour of our trip. It was incredible. While we were there we chatted about our favorite cookbooks among many other things, and she recommended “Nothing too Fancy” by Alison Roman.
A few days after our trip, I received an Amazon package with the book that had been gifted by Erin (is she not the most thoughtful human?). Anyways, I read through it during February and loved Alison’s writing style, tips on hosting, and color in her recipes. However, Feb - March was a complete blur between 3 weddings, trips out of the country, and hosting friends in Atlanta so I never took the time to make anything out of my new cookbook.
Well, come March 13th and all restaurants are closed, travel plans cancelled, and what better time to start cooking at home. Alison’s book has inspired me to get more creative with simple recipes, like a roasted chicken. She has a special way of cooking things which typically include a nice sear and letting things sit without touching them.
This is a weird time for us all. I hope you’re making time to had some sparkle in your life.