There are many ways to stay healthy and sane, even if you're confined to staying indoors during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are our top 5 suggestions.
At bloom™ hearing specialists, we’re passionate about your hearing health and empowering you to communicate effectively. However, it’s just as important for you to focus on your overall mind, body and wellbeing health during these turbulent times. We’re put together 5 easy tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while staying at home during the coronavirus.
Discover 5 ways to maintaining your health and wellbeing while staying at home
From keeping in touch with our loved ones over regular phone calls to maintaining healthy eating habits, let’s focus on staying on track and practicing self-care.
1. Keep a regular schedule and set up daily goals
Whether you’re now working from home or simply staying home to self-isolate during COVID-19, setting up a regular schedule will help to boost your mental health. This could be as simple as setting your alarm at 7am every morning to get up and watch the morning news or read the paper, while brewing your caffeine of choice. Carry out your day as if nothing has changed, aside from the need to stay at home.
You can also set yourself a daily goal or task to accomplish. An example could be cleaning out your kitchen pantry, organising the essentials and throwing out products that are past their use-by date or you no longer need. Successfully ticking off tasks that you’ve been procrastinating on will leave you feeling rewarded.
While it may be tempting to sleep in and stay up at odd hours, maintaining a regular routine is key to staying motivated and feeling fruitful.
2. Create a calm and soothing environment
Take advantage of this time, while you have free reign over your environment, to create a soothing and uplifting atmosphere that you enjoy. Open your curtains or lift the blinds each morning to let the natural light in and bask in the warm sun rays. If you have a beautiful garden that brings you joy, you can set up a cosy reading nook or your work desk looking out to it, if space permits.
Light a scented candle or put your favourite essential oil into a diffuser for a bit of aromatherapy. Lavender, chamomile and lemon balm are just some of the popular scents known to relieve anxiety and stress.
3. Eat nutritious, balanced meals
It’s essential that you create healthy and balanced meals, even when you’re holed up at home. If you’re finding it hard to go to your local grocer or supermarket for supplies, here are a few tips to help you the next time you’re out.
Opt for long-lasting fruits such as apples, bananas and oranges, as well as long-lasting vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts and capsicums. You can also stock up on frozen or canned replacements, just be sure to choose low-sodium or unsweetened varieties to get the most benefit out of it.
Milk, canned beans, nuts, seeds and eggs are all excellent sources of protein. For healthy carbs and fibre, choose whole grain options such as brown rice, steel-cut oats and quinoa, all of which will keep well in your pantry over the coming months.
4. Dedicate time to staying physically active
There are plenty of easy exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home, if you can’t get out to go for a walk around the block.
Just make sure that if you’re trying any of the home exercises for the first time, to take it slowly and not overexert yourself. Find a spot in your home where you can always do the exercises without any obstructions while ensuring your safety.
5. Stay in touch with family and friends
While you may not be able to head out to your local café to catch up over brunch or have the weekly family dinner, make time to keep in touch with your loved ones through technology. Use this time to foster stronger bonds with those you care about, as it will assist to improve your overall wellbeing.
Whether it’s a simple text to say ‘hi’ or arranging a weekly phone call to catch up and chat about what’s been happening, staying in the loop with your family and friends will help you maintain healthy social connections. It’s especially important during these uncertain times to regularly check in with those around us, as some may be quietly struggling and in need of support.