It’s hard to believe how quickly the world changed since social distancing became a top priority across the globe. With Safer at Home orders enforced and social distancing in full effect, we’re spending the majority of our days at home. Unfortunately, without the normalcy of a routine, it can be easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle. But guess what? It is possible to practice an active and healthy lifestyle in the comfort of your own home! Here are a few tips for staying healthy during quarantine.
1. Stick to a schedule.
Staying in bed to binge-watch television may sound enticing right now, and truthfully, allowing yourself to have a day of relaxation isn’t horrible for you. However, sticking to a daily schedule does benefit your physical and mental health. Even if you don’t have anywhere to actually go right now, try waking up at the same time everyday. This gives you enough time to wake up, make a healthy breakfast, and prepare yourself for the day. Feeling productive boosts self-confidence and has a positive impact on mental health. Structure eliminates stress, so create a daily routine that works for you.
2. Make healthier choices.
It’s true that being stuck in the house can cause over-eating due to boredom, but don’t allow yourself to get lost in the comfort of excessive snacking. Try to use this time at home to make healthier choices. Planning meals out for the week is not only a great way to save time and money, but it also prevents making quick and unhealthy meal decisions based on convenience. Even simple things, such as drinking enough water, taking vitamins, and committing to at least 30 minutes of exercise a day can significantly impact your overall health. Start by taking baby steps. Trade in the fries for leafy greens. Opt for water instead of sugary soda. Your body notices these small and positive changes, and it will thank you later.
3. Find a healthy hobby.
Find new ways to use your creative energy—whether it’s painting, writing, reading, playing an instrument, dancing, gardening, or any other activity that sparks your creativity. These activities help maintain stress levels in the body and can improve your overall health. Studies show that creative outlets stimulate the brain and help improve conditions such as anxiety and depression. Healthy hobbies stimulate the body both physically and mentally, so don’t be afraid to try something new!
4. Manage stress properly.
Stress is inevitable during a global pandemic, but make sure you’re dealing with it appropriately. Physical activities, such as yoga, stretching, walking, and running are proven to help alleviate stress. However, not all stress maintenance is done physically. Meditation and prayer quickly relax the mind and body, and you don’t even need to open your eyes to do them. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself to slow down by taking deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. Communication is another useful tool for handling stress, so reach out to friends, family, or even a counselor if you need someone to talk to. Remember to be kind to yourself during this stressful time.
5. Get some sleep.
One of the best things you can do for your body is allow it to rest! This is where having a schedule comes in handy. Set a bedtime every night that gives you adequate time to sleep. Studies show that adults ranging 18-years old and older require at least seven or more hours of good, restful sleep every night. Lack of sleep weakens the immune system, causes stress on the body, and even contributes to weight gain, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and several other chronic conditions. If you’re having trouble sleeping, try some of these tips and tricks for healthy sleep. If you’re struggling with a severe case of insomnia, consult your primary care physician.
Life during quarantine might not always be easy, but luckily, there are many tips for staying healthy during quarantine. For more information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, frequently check our blog on the Access Health Care website, and follow us on Facebook.
