Timeless Advice: Focus on the Positive

One of the most important ways to maintain a healthy immune system is to decrease your stress level as much as possible. That can be easier said than done. It can be challenging to keep a positive and healthy outlook in an era of seemingly constant changes.

One of the most important jobs physicians have, regardless of their specialties, is to help their patients pursue healthy habits. That’s why I’m encouraging you to focus on continuing to incorporate some of the healthy practices you may have started while sheltering in place that can help reduce stress levels in a meaningful way over the long term.

In my mind, some of these benefits include:

• Spending more time with loved ones and pets: I think most of us feel that we’d like to spend more time at home with family, but our busy schedules seem to get in the way. Think about—and adjust—how you prioritize your time.
• Fostering shelter animals: Multiple outlets have reported that pet adoptions increased substantially during the pandemic. It makes sense because people have the time to train pets. Additionally, people are providing foster homes for pets without owners, a type of volunteerism that can continue indefinitely.
• Taking time for hobbies: Whether it’s simply reading more books or learning to play the piano, spending more time at home is a good opportunity to indulge in some activities you enjoy. These are the types of endeavors that also relieve stress, and it’s a good reminder about the importance of each person’s “the pursuit of happiness.”

Maybe you’ve been able to tackle chores that you were putting off for another time (reorganizing the spice rack, cleaning out rain gutters, getting gently used clothes in bags for Goodwill). You can also think about the money you’ve saved on gas, eating out, and entertainment. And who doesn’t appreciate the fact that working from home means more sleep? For some people, telecommuting may have become a long-term practice.

If you’re considering an aesthetic procedure but are still more comfortable limiting your time in public spaces, we offer virtual consultations for individuals planning to get plastic surgery or cosmetic treatments at our Marina del Rey practice. You can also stay up to date with us by following our Facebook and Instagram pages.