There’s nothing more important in the midst of a pandemic than staying healthy.
Keeping your distance from others is the key to avoid getting COVID-19, but staying healthy involves so much more than not getting sick.
It feels like everything is on pause right now, but the consequences of letting health fall by the wayside are the same as they ever were. And, despite the fact that our kids can’t go to school and many of us can’t go into work as we normally would, we still need to prioritize our health.
These days, when going to the gym isn’t an option and bulk shopping makes eating fresh fruits and vegetables more of a challenge, that can be easier said than done. But, the good news is that there are many things you can do to protect yourself while social distancing at home.
Tips for Staying Healthy While Staying at Home
#1. Move
You don’t have to go to the gym to get exercise. There are plenty of ways to exercise in and around your home. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Go on a walk – Walking may not seem like much, but if you walk regularly, it can be a great thing for your cardiovascular health.
Do strength training from home – You don’t need weight lifting machines or any other serious equipment to get strong from home. Simple equipment, like dumbbells, can be helpful, but you might be surprised at how effectively you can build strength with bodyweight exercises alone.
Workout with videos and online classes – Whether you’re into yoga, pilates, or plyometrics, there are a ton of workouts you can do at home by following along with a video. You could also check in with your usual fitness center to see if they’re offering online classes for members.
Move a little repeatedly throughout the day – You don’t need to get in your daily exercise all at once. Mini-workouts throughout the day can keep you active without taking up too much of your time.
#2. Eat Well
If your Instagram feed is anything like mine, it’s been inundated with pictures of homemade banana bread, cookies, scones, cinnamon rolls, and all kinds of other delicious treats. Baking has become the favorite pastime for many people, and while it might be a fun way to fill some time, the last thing Americans need is an increase in our average sugar intake. I’m not saying you can’t indulge in baked goods every once in a while, but it should be sporadically instead of on a regular basis.
In addition to watching how much sugar you’re consuming, it’s also important to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. That can be easier said than done when you’re shopping for a few weeks at a time, and fresh produce typically only lasts for about a week.
I typically shop for two weeks of groceries at a time in order to limit my exposure to others, and my own strategy has been to buy fresh produce for the first week and make meals with frozen fruits and vegetables the second week. If frozen fruits and vegetables aren’t an option, canned fruits and vegetables are another option.
#3. Take a Break From Screens
Since the coronavirus pandemic began, video streaming has increased by a whopping 61 percent. There’s also been a huge spike in hours spent playing video games. This is understandable, as our access to our social circles has been drastically reduced if not cut off entirely. However, it’s important to spend at least some of your time away from screens.
Spending the entire day looking at screens can strain your eyes and make existing vision problems worse. The blue light emitted from the screens could also upend your circadian rhythms, which could disrupt your sleep cycle. Some studies have also found that so much screen time affects your ability to be creative and productive.
Just like with enjoying baked goods, looking at screens should be done in moderation. That can be difficult for people who are working online or going to school online, but all it takes is a little mindfulness. For example, instead of ending your day watching TV, end your day reading a book or writing in your journal. Instead of checking a friend’s timeline on social media, call them and have a good, old-fashioned phone conversation.
#4. Get Outside
Getting outside from time to time is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy, and believe it or not, it actually benefits your health in many different ways.
A few ways getting outside can benefit your health:
- Better short-term memory
- Reduced stress
- Increased energy
- Better concentration
- Increased productivity
- Stronger immune system
Of course, you’ll want to keep safety precautions in mind when you’re outside. Stay at least six feet away from others, and stay away from crowded areas. Consider going out in the early morning or other times of the day when fewer people are out and about. Wear a mask if you’re unsure whether or not you can sufficiently stay away from others, and absolutely do not go out if you’re sick.
A lot of the local businesses that are dedicated to helping you stay healthy, like dentists, fitness centers, chiropractors, massage therapists, therapists, etc., have restricted their in-person services, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t have anything to offer you. Lots of businesses in the wellness industry have started offering online services and can guide you on your journey through the pandemic.
Find the local wellness professionals you need with the help of Top Rated Local®, your go-to local business directory. On Top Rated Local, you can read a business’ reviews from across the web and gain an overview of their reputation overall. Get started today.
