Keeping A Healthy Diet While in Lockdown

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As the lockdown continues, our anxiety levels are starting to rise, and it is all too easy to ease those feelings by snacking on comfort foods, but emotional eating can be detrimental to both your physical and mental health.

These uncertain times are scary and I am certainly not saying that now is a good time to focus on losing weight or completely changing the way you eat. It is a time to start looking at food as a source of energy and health.

Eating a healthy diet is a great way to boost your immune system and it could help to fight off infections. “The World Health Organization (WHO) is also urging people to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on lockdown, saying it could boost their chances of a fast recovery should they contract Covid-19.”

  • Try to keep your mind active and healthy snack available for when you do get the urge to start picking.
    I try to keep dried fruit and nuts in the cupboards. Apple slices with a spoon of peanut butter is also a great go to for when you fancy something sweet. Hard boiled eggs, roasted sweet potato chunks and humus with chopped raw veggies are easy to keep prepared in the refrigerator. Here is Snack Nation’s Guide to 121 healthy snacks: https://snacknation.com/blog/guide/healthy-snacks/
  • Try to plan your meals for a whole week, this way you won’t have to worry about losing inspiration and turning to that frozen pizza in the freezer drawer. Planning meals in advance also helps ensure that you use up all of the ingredients, preventing waste and saving money.
  • Think about creating big meals that you can freeze, this is a great way to save money and ensure you have a healthy, home-cooked meal available even when you are feeling less than inspired to cook. There are lots of great websites with ideas for freezer meals, here are a couple that I stumbled across:
    Money Saver, Best Ever Freezer Meals – https://happymoneysaver.com/freezer-meals/
    Bon Appetite, 37 Recipes That freeze Well – https://www.bonappetit.com/gallery/recipes-that-freeze-well
  • “Three nutrients that you should definitely include (because they help to support your immune system) are Vitamin A (found in sweet potato and spinach), vitamin C (found in berries, tomatoes and peppers) and zinc (found in meat, shellfish, dairy and bread),” Ludlam-Raine adds for The Independent.
  • Oily fish is also one of the few food sources of Vitamin D which is important for bone health and our immune system. If you are not able to go outside as often as you would like, it is important to include this in your diet.
  • It is important to try to keep a routine, eating at set times throughout the day and in a set place. Avoid eating in bed or where you work, keeping your spaces separate. This should help curb your snacking and help your body adapt to your new schedule.
  • Keep yourself hydrated!!! Drinking plenty of water has an effect on your brain function, your skin, your physical and mental well-being. We should be drinking 1.5-2ltrs of water a day. Try upping your water intake (if you are not already drinking enough water) and see the difference it makes to how well you function.
  • It is important to treat yourself, especially during Corona Lockdown. Not only will this boost your mood, but it will also save you from snacking on treats you have forbidden yourself.
  • Most importantly, be kind to yourself.

 

Resources

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/coronavirus-mental-health-self-isolate-how-to-manage-quarantine-a9404431.html

https://www.health24.com/Diet-and-nutrition/News/5-tips-for-eating-healthier-during-the-coronavirus-lockdown-20200327

https://www.health24.com/Medical/Infectious-diseases/Coronavirus/stress-eating-while-in-lockdown-here-are-tips-to-avoid-it-20200403

Learn Something New During Isolation

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After 5 years of living in Spain, during lockdown I have decided it is about time I learned Spanish. So, Rosetta Stone has been downloaded and over the past 4.5 weeks I have managed to take three classes. Not impressive in the slightest, but I am not beating myself up about it. Why? Because 1) the intention is there and 2) WE’RE IN LOCKDOWN!

Our brains are not working as they should, some of us may be feeling more tired than usual, unable to focus or our memories aren’t working as well as they usually do. This is completely normal, during such a stressful time and we all need to show ourselves a little compassion.

With that said, it is important that we keep our minds active, and learning something new is a great way to do that. Get creative, maybe you’ve always wanted to learn to crochet or knit a scarf. Create a piece of art for an empty wall. Now could be the time to learn how to build your own website or brush up on your SEO and keywords. Why not learn how to code?

It always great to work on your communication skills, that could be through learning another language or reading about psychology.

Learn a dance routine, learn to meditate or learn breathing exercises to keep your mind away from the news and your body active.

Whatever you decide to learn, go easy on yourself and try not to get frustrated if you’re not picking things up as quickly as you would usually. These are unusual times.

The most important thing is that you are caring for yourself, your mind and your body.

 

If you feel you need emotional support or counselling to help you through these unprecedented times. Please, reach out. PineappleSupport.org

 

With love, Leya Tanit

Keeping Active During Isolation

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As you would expect, the team here at Pineapple Support have been promoting ways to keep your mind healthy during Covid-19 isolation and lockdown. For example Maintaining a routine, keeping the mind active, continuing regular therapy.

Maintaining some normalcy is incredibly important in caring for your mental health. And good mental health promotes good physical health.

“The American Heart Association recommends adults engage in at least 150 minutes (two and a half hours) per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity. A combination of both would work too, preferably spread throughout the week.”

Being locked inside it is very easy not to move as much as we would ordinarily. That’s why every little bit of movement helps. Build physical activity into your daily routine and make it fun.

While you are watching TV, do some squats during the commercials. If you are cleaning the house, pop on some music and turn your cleaning into a dance routine. If you have stairs, go up and down three times every time you use them. Heel raises when you’re washing dishes. Side lunges when you are putting clothes in the machine. The NHS recommends some seated exercises.

Being active and keeping your body moving, doesn’t always mean raising your heart rate. It is just as important to stretch, relax and work on your breathing. There is a lot going on in the world right now, we all need to take some time to pause.

Pineapple Support has put together a collection of workouts and breathing exercises on our YouTube channel, but there are so many more available online for you to try.

 

 

If you feel you need emotional support or counselling to help you through these unprecedented times. Please, reach out. PineappleSupport.org

 

resources

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/#collapse98faf

Keeping The Mind Active During Isolation

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In order to keep our minds healthy during isolation, it is important to keep them active. This doesn’t necessarily mean learning something new or doing math puzzles, unless that is what interests you. The important thing is to positively entertain your brain.

For those under 40 and particularly those in the adult industry, mobile phones and other electronic devices have become a major part of day to day lives. Some of us spending upward of 10 hours a day looking at a phone or computer screen. With social distancing becoming the new norm (for now), we risk becoming more isolated and more connected to our electronic devices.

Although these devices are imperative for our businesses, it is not healthy to spend long periods of time sitting in front of a screen. Especially as the blue light from devices like smartphones can be disruptive to your sleep and overall well being.

Try to vary your activities, keep your brain occupied and challenged. Get creative, try your hand at gardening or cooking new recipes. Read books or listen to podcasts.

The WHO Mental Health Considerations states that “During times of stress, pay attention to your own needs and feelings. Engage in healthy activities that you enjoy and find relaxing. Exercise regularly, keep regular sleep routines and eat healthy food. Keep things in perspective. Public health agencies and experts in all countries are working on the outbreak to ensure the availability of the best care to those affected.”

Here are some of my top choices for keeping the mind active:

1) Read a book
There is nothing better than getting immersed in a good book and ordinarily, if you’re like me, this is something I don’t usually have time for.
https://www.goodreads.com/list – book recommendations
https://www.instagram.com/booksandburgs/ – honest book reviews
https://readingagency.org.uk/ – Resources on booked and shared reading

2) Try a new recipe
Whether you’re a whiz in the kitchen or you boil toast, trying new recipes is a great way to vary your meal plan and ensure a balanced, healthy diet.
https://myfridgefood.com/ – use what you have in your fridge
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/83/everyday-cooking/convenience-cooking/ – Quarantine cooking recipes
https://food52.com/blog/25135-easy-coronavirus-quarantine-recipes – 13 easy quarantine recipes
https://eu.usatoday.com/story/life/food-dining/2020/04/10/coronavirus-quarantine-cooking-easy-recipes-you-can-make-few-ingredients/5131173002/ – Recipes with 5 ingredients or less

3) Work those green fingers
There are many benefits to having plants in your home and garden and now is the perfect time to get planting. As my fingers are more black than green, I’ve taken to planting a variety of cactuses.
https://www.gardenersworld.com/ – Gardening advice and inspiration
If you don’t have any outside space, they also have a guide to house plants https://www.gardenersworld.com/plants/must-have-houseplants/

4) Learn something new
https://www.marchnetwork.org/creative-isolation?lightbox=dataItem-k87hyknv – a link to 10 free university art courses
https://www.marchnetwork.org/creative-isolation?lightbox=dataItem-k7vvf8eb – Online Dance tutorials
https://www.duolingo.com/ – Free online language courses

5) Watch a tv series, movie or documentary
https://www.bbc.co.uk/arts – New culture in quarantine programming
https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-quarantine-what-to-watch.html – What to watch, read and listen to during isolation

6) Take a virtual tour
Many museums and galleries are offering virtual tours during lockdown:
https://smartify.org/ – Smartify is a web and mobile-based platform for some of the world’s best art and cultural institutions.

https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/series/royal-albert-home – Royal Albert Home will see artists sharing their work from their homes to yours.
https://artsandculture.google.com/ – Virtual tours of museums, art galleries and heritage sites.

7) Make travel plans for the future
We won’t be in quarantine forever and looking to the future and making fun and exciting plans are a great way to remain positive.
https://www.earthtrekkers.com/best-travel-adventures/ – 50 travel adventures to have in your life time
https://www.boredpanda.com/amazing-places-to-see-before-you-die-2/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic – 40 Breath taking places to visit before you die

8) Connect with friends and loved ones
Maintaining a connection with loved ones is vitally important during lockdown and we are extremely fortunate to be living in a time when there are so many different way to do this.
Read our blog on Maintaining a Connection With The People You Love.

9) Get active
Keeping the body active is just as important as the mind. So whether you train hard or schedule regular yoga sessions, it’s important to keep the body moving.
Pineapple Support has a selection of workout videos to choose from on our YouTube channel or you surf the web for thousands of options.

10) Play a board game
I know, it’s old skool, but board games are so much fun and can keep you occupied for hours.
https://www.vox.com/culture/2020/3/17/21182427/board-games-2-players-best-quarantine

When it comes to keeping your mind active, the possibilities are almost endless.
Get involved and let us know via Twitter @PineappleYSW what you are doing to keep your mind active during isolation.

 

 

Resources

https://www.realclearpolicy.com/articles/2020/03/30/young_people_are_lonley_too_487793.amp.html?__twitter_impression=true&utm_campaign=April%202020%20Newsletter%20(JDkhGP)&utm_medium=email&utm_source=April%20Workshop&_ke=eyJrbF9lbWFpbCI6ICJ0aGVyYXB5QGRlbmlzZS13b2xmLmNvbSIsICJrbF9jb21wYW55X2lkIjogIk41dWJEUyJ9&fbclid=IwAR0SV8WsNK-qJrqtBvYVXlJbFmX_NUj6KSGu0UoyozsU7kT0ilrPwJ0ZoBo

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/coronavirus-mental-health-self-isolate-how-to-manage-quarantine-a9404431.html

https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/how-loneliness-from-coronavirus-isolation-takes-its-own-toll?utm_campaign=April%202020%20Newsletter%20(JDkhGP)&utm_brand=tny&utm_term=TNY_Daily&utm_source=April%20Workshop&cndid=28664424&source=EDT_NYR_EDIT_NEWSLETTER_0_imagenewsletter_Daily_ZZ&mbid=&utm_medium=email&esrc=&bxid=5be9f97024c17c6adf0e91ae&utm_mailing=TNY_Daily_032320&_ke=eyJrbF9lbWFpbCI6ICJ0aGVyYXB5QGRlbmlzZS13b2xmLmNvbSIsICJrbF9jb21wYW55X2lkIjogIk41dWJEUyJ9&fbclid=IwAR1i8Z0lDRMjs-z8zHBWj3QbOzq6WIoVrDlFQbaiIkQlW92LYTZGk0IiQ8U

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/#collapsedcafe

https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/mental-health-considerations.pdf?sfvrsn=6d3578af_8

Maintaining a Routine While In Isolation

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You’re stuck at home, all your usual hangouts are closed, you can’t do the day to day activities you would usually be doing. It’s all too easy to say “fuck it” and stay in bed, sloth around the house eating random combinations of whatever is in the cupboard and watching crappy TV.

Having a day or two every now and again to wallow in our own filth and enjoy the pleasures of numbing our minds and bodies, is perfectly acceptable. In fact, I recommend it. This is not however a healthy way to spend the majority of your time, particularly in isolation.

Days will drag and moods will drop (and drop and drop) until you find yourself in a downward spiral that is hard to get out of. If you’re currently struggling with this, it’s okay, you’re not alone.

Here are my tips for creating a routine while in Isolation.

Early Morning
Each morning I get up at around 7.30am, feed all my animals (question why I have so many animals), make myself a hot drink and, weather depending, sit in the garden for around half an hour. I use this time to catch up on personal social media and messages, to reflect on the day ahead and to be grateful for all that I have.

Morning
As someone who regularly works from home, I am a huge advocate of dressing for work. The does not mean a suit and full make up, it does mean taking a shower, brushing my hair and putting on something that isn’t pyjamas.

By 8.30am I try to be sat behind my desk and to start setting out what I hope to achieve that day.
Most of us are privileged to be able to do some work from home. Be it editing movies you haven’t released yet, doing admin and upkeep on your clips store or cam profile. Work on your premium site profiles or interact with fans. Use this time to do all the niggling jobs you haven’t yet found the time to do.
If you can’t work from home, get creative, look at picking up an old hobby or discovering a new one.

Each day at 10am I take an hours break from work to exercise with a friend online. We do this by picking a video on YouTube and starting it at the same time.
For me, training is one of those things I will continue to put off, unless there’s someone to hold me accountable. Training with a friend, not only makes it more fun, but creates an environment where you can both encourage each other to keep active.

Afternoon
At around 1pm I take a break from the computer to create a healthy lunch and spend an hour trying not to think about work. Then back to the grindstone until between 5 and 6pm.
I have had to be very strict with myself regarding the hours I work. When you work from home it is all too easy to continue working long into the night and forgetting the importance of “switching off”. As the saying goes; “You can’t drink from an empty cup”.

Evening
Once work is done for the day, I make time to call and check in on friends, either via text or online video platform. It’s actually been amazing to connect with people so regularly. This is something that ordinarily I don’t have time to do as I am usually rushing around to complete some errand. I feel that during this time of isolation, I have made deeper connections with my friends. Paying closer attention to each other’s emotions and learning so much more about one another.

Sometimes I take this time to learn a little Spanish (been living in Spain 5 years and can only just about order a glass of wine).

Dinner usually takes about an hour to prepare. At least once a week I like trying new recipes found online and “making do” with alternate ingredients from the backs of my cupboards, there have been mixed results. Of course, I’m not Mary Poppin’s, some evenings are spent eating left over’s or getting a food delivery.

Late Evening
By the time dinner is finished it is usually around 8pm and time to sit with the fur babies and watch a series or movie on Netflix.

At around 10.30-11pm I ensure that the house is tidy and dishes are washed, etc. This way before heading to bed I know that tomorrow will start with a clean fresh slate.

 

Everyone’s routine is different, the important thing is to have a routine. If there are days that you really don’t feel like getting out of bed or doing some of the things on your list, that’s okay. Let yourself have those days and enjoy them.

Try writing down a daily schedule for yourself, break the day up into segments and make it as detailed as possible. Do your best to stick to your schedule for a week and see how you feel at the end of it.

I do hope that this will have inspired you to KEEP GOING. These strange times will all be over soon and life will return to normal. STAY STRONG.

If you feel you need emotional support or counselling to help you through these unprecedented times. Please, reach out. PineappleSupport.org

Pineapple Support Sponsors Free Online Therapy Course

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A free, online therapy course, sponsored by Pineapple Support, launches Tuesday, April 14. The seven-week course will utilize Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help industry members develop tolerance skills while in isolation during the production hold.

The two-hour weekly sessions, led by Pineapple Support therapist Sophie Graham, will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. (PDT) and focus on coping mechanisms that can be used during times of crisis.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is causing lots of people to experience distress,” explained Graham. “This might be because of fear of getting sick, or it could be financial stress, or the impact of being in closer than usual quarters with the folks that we live with. This course is all about finding ways to reduce your distress — using your body as well as your brain. It helps you to develop your capacity to manage distress better.”

To reserve a spot, email contact@pineapplesupport.org.

“It can be a struggle to cope with overwhelming events,” said Pineapple Support Founder Leya Tanit. “We can end up in crisis, and that can cause us to behave in ways that cause us shame or create practical problems in our lives. This course equips you with DBT skills to manage distressing situations without derailing your life or relationships.”

For the latest updates, follow Pineapple Support online and on Twitter.

Pineapple Support Celebrates 2nd Anniversary, 1,000th Performer Milestone

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Adult industry mental health nonprofit Pineapple Support is marking its 2nd anniversary with another milestone: the organization has now connected over 1,000 adult performers with mental health and emotional support services.

Founder Leya Tanit said that when she started Pineapple Support in 2018, she “couldn’t have imagined that we’d be able to reach so many performers in such a short amount of time.”

“It has not been easy, and the need is still great,” Tanit added, “but it’s incredibly rewarding to reach this milestone in conjunction with our second birthday.”

Pineapple Support was conceived in early 2018 by Tanit, a British performer, in response to losses in the adult industry from depression, addiction and other mental illnesses. Tanit launched Pineapple Support at Exxxotica Denver on April 7, 2018.

Since then, Pineapple Support has secured financial sponsorship from over 40 adult companies, received 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in the U.S. and charity status in the U.K., and assembled a Board of Directors made up of industry leaders.

In addition, Pineapple Support has amassed a team of over 100 therapists providing low or no-cost services to adult performers, along with over 300 trained “active listeners” who volunteer with the service.

The non-profit has provided adult professionals with one-on-one therapy, online support groups, monthly webinars and 24/7 online emotional support.

Last year, Tanit launched the Pineapple Summit, the only online mental health summit specifically for the adult industry.

“I am so thankful for the generosity and dedication of our industry in helping build this organization, and for the tireless work of the therapists who help our community daily,” Tanit said. “I look forward to celebrating even more milestones and anniversaries in the coming years. As we often say, it’s okay to feel lonely, but it doesn’t mean you’re alone.”

For more from Pineapple Support, follow them online and on Twitter.

Pornhub Renews Sponsorship of Pineapple Support

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Pineapple Support announced today that Pornhub will renew its Gold Level sponsorship of the organization.

“The Pornhub Model Program is dedicated to the care, safety and well-being of our models,” said Pornhub VP Corey Price. “So we are happy to announce that we have partnered up with Pineapple Support once again to offer a free online mental health service created specifically for adult industry performers.”

Pineapple Support is a non-profit organization that connects adult performers with mental health services globally.

“We’re incredibly thankful that Pornhub is renewing its sponsorship for another year,” said Founder Leya Tanit. “The continued support of Pornhub and its team helps to send an extremely positive message to the adult industry that mental health is of paramount importance to all performers and models. With the help of generous sponsors like them, we can continue our work to connect anyone that needs mental health services in the industry with dedicated therapists and counselors.”

For the latest information, follow Pornhub and Pineapple Support on Twitter.

Continue Regular Therapy Online

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There’s a lot to be stressed about – Virus, friends, family, economy, jobs, empty shelves at the grocery store. If you are feeling anxious or depressed, you are not alone.

While everyone is unique in their reactions to isolation, you may be likely to have feelings of loneliness, sadness, fear, anxiety and stress. These emotions are perfectly normal given the current circumstances.

A recent study published by The Lancet reported negative psychological effects of quarantine including post-traumatic stress symptoms, confusion and anger. These effects can be felt both during and after the period of quarantine.

During this isolation period you may be feeling cut off from the rest of the world, unable to continue your usual routine and with no control over what is happening. It is important to create a new normal (for now) routine, to maintain connections with your loved ones and to keep the mind and body healthy and active.

It is important to practice self-compassion, to keep up to date with the facts and necessary information on the virus, without allowing our anxiety to get the better of us.

Taking steps to protect your mental health

If you find that you are struggling with your emotions during this period of isolation, it is important to seek professional help. Many therapists are shifting to online therapy and all Pineapple Support therapists, counsellors and coaches provide teletherapy either via video platform or over the telephone.

If you are currently seeing a therapist and have concerns regarding switching from in person to online therapy, you may discover that online therapy works better for you and your needs. But, if you discover that you still prefer in-person appointments, there is no need to worry. This situation is not permanent and once the social distancing efforts have subsided, you can return to regular, face-to-face meetings.

If you feel you could benefit from speaking with therapist and qualify for Pineapple Support subsidized therapy, please reach out and we will connect you with one of our industry friendly therapists, counsellors or coaches.

 

Resources

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/does-online-therapy-actually-work_n_58af1ffde4b060480e05bd79?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAA-DFVkQ3Y-cDk80cBm1W3jy-Kchis-a0Ocm0358ur5sF6l6RiWhEjWlMbXnPyKCc3SZ1ueKQ6-Il9HV__1a9Gv7OLCqyy2cacPqlPadhmQnQCFHkbMP1NRVwF9HTau9b-Lb3GLGTOFSfVMU8U6FXi1gb6uXWmgvC3qzz4s-gkvc

https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/

https://www.verywellmind.com/transition-to-online-therapy-during-coronavirus-4799808

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-pacific-heart/202003/coronavirus-anxiety-should-i-see-my-therapist-face-face

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0140673620304608

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15324539

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30460-8/fulltext#seccestitle150

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/20/coronavirus-wake-up-millennials-prioritize-your-mental-health-right-now-says-psychotherapist.html

TheAdultToyShop Is Newest Pineapple Support Sponsor

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TheAdultToyShop.com has joined Pineapple Support as a Supporter-level sponsor.

The adult e-commerce company joins over 40 other businesses and organizations in committing funds and resources to the nonprofit mental health organization.

“As a female-owned sex shop that provides visitors a comfortable shopping environment, we understand the importance of feeling good both in and out of the workplace,” explained Mayla Green, co-owner and resident sexpert of TheAdultToyShop. “We are delighted to contribute towards the incredible work that Pineapple Support is doing in the industry to help everyone feel comfortable at work.”

Pineapple was founded in 2018 by British performer Leya Tanit, in response to losses in the adult industry from depression and other mental illnesses. The organization, which is a registered nonprofit in the United States and a registered charity in the U.K., has so far connected nearly 1,000 adult performers to mental health services, including free and low-cost, therapy, counseling and emotional support.

“We’re very thankful to TheAdultToyShop for their support,” said Tanit.  “At a time of incredible stress, we’re working hard to reach as many performers as possible with mental health services. Thanks to the help of all of our partners and sponsors, we’re connecting record numbers with therapy, counseling and support.”

For more information, click here and follow Pineapple on Twitter.