If you’re like most people, you’re probably having a hard time adjusting to quarantine life. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our way of working and living for sure.
And while it may be tempting just to let things unravel until the situation stabilizes, don’t lose hope. There are ways you can stay healthy and sane, whether you’re self-quarantining or just complying with government protocols.
Below are a few ideas you can try out at home.
Be mindful of what you’re eating
There are a couple of things that people are doing to cope with increased time indoors. Late-night movies may be more frequent, as well as snacking and eating in general.
But if you aren’t fully aware of what you’re putting in your mouth, you could end up gaining too much weight. Long-term, it may put you at risk of certain diseases (e.g., diabetes) and other health issues. You may also find that you have less energy and motivation to go through the day.
There’s no shame in eating more amid a pandemic. You are under a lot of stress, and it makes sense for the body to seek out comfort foods. That being said, avoid overdoing it — to the point that it can seriously jeopardize your health.
It’s okay to indulge on some treats now and then but try as much as possible to get more nutritious food into your system. Consume a variety of fruits and vegetables. If you’re on a special diet, keto diet products and other similar food items can help you satisfy cravings guilt-free.
Add structure to your days
Being stuck at home during quarantine can feel like you’re on an endless loop — with work and personal boundaries slowly merging. Injecting some semblance of structure to your days can help delineate between each type of activity.
That is where routines become quite helpful. Depending on your hobbies and interests, there are several ways you can go about building a habit.
For instance, if you’re fond of cooking, perhaps starting your day in the kitchen cooking a hearty breakfast and making some coffee could work. Kicking things off with an activity that you’re familiar with and comfortable with can help set a good mood for the rest of the day.
Then, to end the workday, maybe you can find some time to pause and meditate. It is an excellent way to physically and mentally step back from work — preparing yourself for a nice wind down for the night.
Expand your definition of “workout”
Everybody knows regular exercise is good for physical and mental health. So be sure to allocate three to five days a week for exercise, with each workout ranging from as quick as 15 minutes to over an hour.
However, aside from yoga, running, and other types of workouts, there are different ways to get your body moving.
The basic concept of any workout is body movement, and there are several ways you can achieve that. For example, if you have a garden or yard, tending to the plants and trees can easily help you work up a sweat. You’re still exerting your body.
So now that you find yourself mostly indoors, it may be time to make some progress on those outdoor chores that you’ve been putting off for some time.
