The 2019 novel coronavirus disease, or COVID-19, has brought many challenges and hardships to all of us. This pandemic has impacted our daily lives in a way nobody has anticipated. The government mandated us to stay at home, public places are closed, and multiple businesses have stopped their operations indefinitely. Only the essential workers remained working on-site while most of us have adapted the work-from-home setup.
When you are in the comfort of your home and isolated, it’s tempting to divulge your unhealthy cravings and habits. This includes snacking on junk foods that are high in sodium or eating low-quality meals to satisfy your taste buds rather than eating nutrient-dense foods to stay healthy. Another, sitting around the house with your cell phone all day or watching shows on television or computer for long periods.
Whether or not you are directly affected by the COVID-19, you cannot deny the drastic change it brought into your life. The pandemic can even negatively impact your lifestyle and overall health, especially if you neglect your body. Fear not because we bring you these five (5) things you can do to stay healthy and active while staying safe at your home.
Have a Healthy and Balanced Diet
One of the best practices you can do to stay healthy during a quarantine is keeping a healthy and balanced diet. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and healthy protein in your everyday meal to strengthen your immune system. Try this red bliss potato recipe and don’t forget to always stay hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses or 64 ounces of water a day.
It is also essential to avoid “emotional eating” caused by the stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Another thing to avoid is fast food or processed snacks because they are filled with added sugar, sodium, and saturated fats, all harmful to the body. In addition, avoid taking too much caffeine from coffee or tea, minimize drinking sweet and sugary drinks, and limit your alcohol intake.
Practice eating nutritious foods loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, a night of good sleep will do you wonders. It can help boost your body and lower your stress levels. Also, don’t forget your daily intake of vitamins and supplements, including the popular greens powder or vegetable powder to strengthen your immune system and fight the coronavirus.
Stay Active with Exercise
Before the pandemic, even the inconsequential things such as shopping for groceries, walking from your car to your office, visiting the mall, or having a family outing include a series of steps and physical activities. Due to the 180° lifestyle shift caused by COVID-19, even this mundane is not readily available now, and a more sedentary lifestyle is afoot.
However, to stay healthy, it is vital to stay active even at your home. Just because gyms are closed or your fitness classes are canceled, it is not enough reason for you to stop being physically active. There are multiple and safe alternatives available, including an online yoga or Pilates class, aerobics, and a workout routine with jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups, etc.
You can also go out for a walk or a jog but make sure to follow the social distancing ordinance in your area. Stay 6 feet away from the other individuals and avoid going to places with large crowds. If you’re still hesitant to go out, you can still stay active with simple activities such as gardening, cleaning your house, walking around your backyard, cooking, and many more.
Always Practice Basic Hygiene
Just because you’re staying most of the time at home doesn’t mean you don’t need to wash your hands. Always follow good hygiene practices and the basics recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. Washing your hands frequently and correctly is the most important thing you can do to stay healthy and prevent spreading germs.
Wash all parts of your hands, the front, back, between fingers, under your nails, and around cuticles, with clean soap and water for 20 seconds. Also, regularly clean all the frequently used surfaces around your house. Above all, always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Besides your hands, focus on the basic hygiene of other important parts of your body as well. Learn how to stop hair breakage and shedding, how to find and apply quality face masks, other skincare, or do a basic manicure. Your body is your temple and you should treat it as such in the best possible way.
Don’t Neglect Your Mental Health
Living in the middle of a global pandemic is a very stressful and anxiety-inducing situation. The unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 in our daily lives is a complete 360 shift from what we are accustomed to, and it can cause tremendous stress. Even though we are more focused on one’s physical health nowadays, you should never forget nor neglect your mental health.
Find an activity that you can do to cope up with stress and anxiety positively. These positive coping mechanisms included meditation, exercise, reading, taking up a new hobby, or further developing particular skills.
You can also keep yourself entertained by playing video games, watching your favorite shows, listening to music, learning new skills, and trying new things from YouTube tutorials. When you’re feeling down, you can always talk with your loved one. Utilize all resources you have and take time to connect with your family and friends.
Stay Informed with the Right Information
There are multiple news outlets and social media platforms available nowadays to get various information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. While having multiple information sources is excellent for reaching out to many audiences, it can also spread false information. Information overload is a possibility, and it can cause undue panic, stress, and anxiety.
The key to combat this is to stay informed with the correct information from reliable media outlets. Make sure to double-check if the information you’ve read on any social media outlets is accurate. It can be harmful when you spread false information to anyone. Make it a habit to read or watch the news from reliable sources only.
The Bottom Line
Many of us are stuck at home isolating to minimize exposure to the COVID-19. While self-isolation is excellent to combat the spread of the coronavirus, being at the comfort of your home, eating healthy, and staying active are easily put in the back of our minds. However, that should not be the case because now is the worst time to be sick and unhealthy.
Building a daily routine with the above things can make you stay healthy, active, and strong during this pandemic. It would help if you also remember that it’s ok to ask for help when you’re in stressful situations. Use what you learn here to improve your overall health and wellness.
