Staying in all the time may seem like a walk in the park (or not) at first, but over time it can take a toll on your physical and mental health.
Read on for a few tips to make sure you are making the most of your time at home to stay healthy and maybe you can even come out of this quarantine in better health than when it started.
Look to youtube for a wealth of quality exercise classes that you can follow along with at home - completely for free.
Whether you are into yoga, zumba, jazzercise (is that still a thing?), or just some relaxing stretching, you can find it online.
The American Heart Association recommends adults get in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, so pick out a 30-minute exercise tutorial at least 5 times a week for a fun and easy way to meet your quota.
Just because you stocked up on quarantine snacks as a treat, doesn’t mean that chips and ice cream is now a balanced dinner.
While snack foods are great for a treat during this stressful time, overindulging can floor your energy levels and physical health.
Use some of your new extra time to craft new well-rounded recipes with a healthy balance of grains, proteins, veggies, nuts, and fruits.
Keeping in touch with your friends while everyone is cooped up at home can be a great way to recharge, de-stress, and reconnect.
Everyone is feeling a little strange right now with everything going on, so start a group chat with your friends to make jokes, share hobbies, or just check up on everyone occasionally.
Just because you are now staying at home, doesn’t mean you can’t still get a little sun.
Getting out in the sun can help boost your mood, sync your circadian rhythms, produce Vitamin D in your skin, and change up the pace of being in front of your devices all day
.Hang out on your porch, balcony, or in your backyard at least a little bit every day for some fresh air and sunlight.
Making fewer trips to the grocery store for the greater good doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy your favorite fresh herbs.
Herbs are packed with antioxidants and may have additional health benefits when added into meals regularly.
Plant some of your favorites in your windowsill or backyard garden for an easy way to increase the flavor, health, and freshness of your meals.
If you are missing those weekend nights having friends over for game night or a dinner party, you don’t have to give them up, just move them online.
With all the various ways to video chat with people these days, it’s super easy to set up a virtual dinner party or game night while everyone is still safely social distancing.
Or, if you haven’t been able to visit your grandparents recently, schedule a casual virtual coffee chat to catch up on things.
While it is important to stay informed and educated about what’s going on in the world, be sure to take a step back from the news periodically for your mental health.
Have scheduled news check-ins a few times a day, and then step away to relax, work, or do something productive to get your mind off of potentially worrying updates.
If you are now working at home for the first time, it can be easy to fall out of a set schedule.
But, we are creatures of habit, and keeping a schedule for yourself can help you stay mentally and physically healthier.
Set your alarm for the same time in the morning as usual and mark out time for work, meals, exercise, hobbies, and relaxation to help keep yourself on track.
There is a lot going on in the world right now, so that makes it extra important for you to keep your mind sharp, positive, and keep stress levels down.
Regular meditation is a great way to destress and refocus after a long day, and may even help boost your immune system.
Download a meditation app to listen to, or find some guided meditation walkthroughs on youtube to get you started.
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