If you’re anything like us, chances are that the recent “shelter-in-place” orders have you struggling to maintain a consistent routine from home that keeps you both physically and mentally healthy. Not only is your entire daily routine in complete flux, but finding “me time” is hard when the whole family is in the house with limited options for where to go and what to do. It’s tempting to get sucked into that sedentary “couch potato” lifestyle (after all, what else can you really do when you’re trapped at home 100% of the time?), but it’s so important to find creative ways to promote your physical and mental wellbeing during this frustrating SIP phase.
Here are a few wellness tips from your favorite physicians here at BICRAD that you can put into place while still practicing social distancing.
Tip #1: Make a new schedule and stick to it as much as possible.
Most people are creatures of habit, and it can be difficult to cope when your normal routine is turned upside down. For those of us that are planners, list makers, and operate best when following a schedule, it can be stressful when that routine is taken away from us and we can’t do things like we normally would. One of the best things you can do for yourself during this time is to create a new schedule for yourself and stick to it as much as possible. Sure, it might not look exactly like your normal daily routine used to, but having a plan you can stick to will go a long way towards establishing normalcy in your life during this time of uncertainty.
Tip #2: Limit your junk food intake.
Stress and boredom are two huge triggers for binge eating. After all, how easy is it to lunge for a chocolate bar or curl up with a pint of ice cream when you’re feeling down or overly stressed? Don’t fall victim to this temptation while you’re riding out the COVID-19 crisis. Instead, try taking advantage of the extra time at home to experiment with healthy eating. Take a stab at that recipe you’ve been wanting to try, give meal-planning a proper go, or test out some of those fun healthy snack ideas that you’ve got pinned on Pinterest.
Tip #3: Don’t stop exercising.
Your gym may be closed, but that’s no excuse to let your exercise routine fall by the wayside. Take advantage of all the virtual resources available and immerse yourself in a new at-home workout routine! There are so many great exercise videos available for free on YouTube, from strength training and cardio to lower impact exercises like Yoga and Pilates, and many of them can be done without fancy gym equipment by using everyday items found in your own home (i.e. you can finally put to use those extra cans of soup you’ve been hoarding). Take this opportunity while you’re home to try out some new types of exercises, and maybe even get the whole family involved!
Tip #4: Take time for yourself.
We get it. Finding “me time” can feel impossible when the kids are out of school and you’re in the house surrounded by your family 100% of the time. With that being said, it’s still so important to find ways to take a little time for yourself. Try to set aside 30-60 minutes a day to focus on yourself and decompress. Read a book, go for a quick walk, take a nice long bath - whatever it is that brings you joy and helps you relax. Whether that requires closing yourself into the bedroom or popping on your headphones to drown out the noise, don’t be afraid to shut everything else out for a little while and focus on you.
Tip #5: Stay connected socially.
Just because it’s not safe to physically hang out with your friends right now doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy quality time with them! One of the most beautiful things about modern technology is that it allows us to stay connected with friends and family virtually. Get creative and find other fun ways to “do things together” while being apart. This could be something as simple as a weekly video call, watching the same movie at the same time while being on the phone, setting up a virtual game night with friends, or getting a lot more involved in group chats. Whatever you end up deciding to do, we guarantee that it will help you feel more connected and bring some positivity to your life.
This has been a trying time for many of us, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the stress of the changes that coronavirus has caused. Just because you can’t do things exactly the way you used to doesn’t mean that you can’t still do the things that you love, though! You just have to get creative. The best thing you can do for yourself and your family during this time is to embrace your new temporary normal. Find ways to keep yourself healthy both mentally and physically, and take some time to really enjoy this time that you have together at home.