You always look both ways before crossing the street, you don’t talk about religion or politics at the dinner table, and you love most vegetables, don’t even get me started on beets. Or maybe at least these were new year’s resolutions. But yes, you’ve done everything in your power to lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle, and then all of a sudden one day, both you and baby are put in the corner. #LockDown
One by one, states across the country are joining the global race to stop the spread of COVID-19 by implementing a variety of social distancing protocols. As a result, achieving one’s basic goals of eating a balanced diet, exercising, and getting a good night’s sleep seem a whole lot more complicated. You’re deluged with doubt and a litany of rhetorical questions: How am I going to eat right while living on non-perishables? How can I stay fit when I can’t go to the gym? How am I going to sleep tonight with all this looming doubt? Changing your motivation from “because of” to “in spite of” would be a great start. Now say it with me: In spite of COVID-19, I won’t just survive, I’ll thrive!
Here’s a holistic guide to staying physically and mentally healthy while staying at home:
Ensure A Well Balanced Diet
- Stick to a regular meal schedule and be mindful of how much and how often you are snacking.
- Stay hydrated by drinking a glass of water before every meal
- If possible, stock up on nutrition-packed foods that will stay fresh for a week or longer like bread, grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, cheese, frozen seafood, and sauces.
- Ordering out? Before placing your order take a look at this comparison of the best delivery apps and these helpful tips for ordering delivery. Don’t forget to support your locally-owned restaurants.
- Regulate consumption and prevent overindulgence. It’s easy to reach for a snack when you are bored!
Stay Physically Active
- Break up your day with short active breaks – it’s amazing how 90 seconds of jumping jacks can get your heart rate going!
- Stand or walk while taking work calls. If you decide to go outside to walk be sure to maintain at least a 1-meter distance from other people.
- View free workout or yoga videos on youtube! We love tuning into MillennialFitChick’s Instagram for motivation!
- Many gyms and clubs are now offering live streaming or online classes. Check your local centers’ social media pages to learn about their recent events
- Create a home workout routine using these home-based exercises or freshen up your routine with these 4 bodyweight exercises
- Get your own personal Dance Party on with the jams at WeAreMemphisMusic.com!
Manage Stress and Anxiety
- Get a full night of sleep every night with these 6 tips for better sleep from Healthline.
- The American Institute of Stress recommends using technology to mind your mental health
- Jamie Gold, a wellness design consultant and author of the upcoming book Wellness by Design, suggests setting aside a specific area in your home that’s free of technology. She recommends stocking this area with things that calm you, like your favorite blankets and pillows, a scented candle and house plants. “Over-exposure to news, over-exposure to chaos, creates a lot of anxiety,” Gold says. “If you can create a quiet space to reflect, to journal, it helps to calm you.” She also recommends, to the extent possible, designating specific areas for work and fitness, to mentally separate the parts of your day.
Know the Difference Between Isolation, Quarantine, and Social Distancing
- “Isolation is when you are sick, either at home or in the hospital,” says Benjamin. “Infectious disease precautions are then much more rigid than in self-quarantine.”
- This is when — under state or federal law — individuals or groups are essentially on lockdown. Recent examples include passengers from cruise ships where other passengers fell ill with COVID-19; those passengers who didn’t fall ill on the ship were then required to stay at military bases for 14 days to see if they developed the disease.
- This is a broad category. It means not shaking hands, avoiding crowds, standing several feet from other people and, most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.
Connect with Friends and Family
- Remember that you’re not alone
- Establish specific chats or channels for conversations unrelated to the pandemic
- If you’re working from home, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Skype, or Zoom with coworkers.
- Attend a virtual meetup event
- Call, text or video a friend or family member to say hi!
- Have an online movie night with friends through a Facebook Watch Party or Netflix Watch Party.
- Join our Virtual Soul Instagram Live events, every Thursday and Saturday at 7pmcst!
Did we miss any of your favorite at-home healthy tips? Let us know!
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