Tips courtesy of our friends at Mercury Insurance.
It’s easy to sink into somewhat of a rut during quarantine – with Netflix, Postmates and Instacart at your fingertips, motivation to get off the couch can sometimes be hard to find. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle during this time not only helps to boost your mental wellbeing, but can also help your body prevent illness and encourage faster recovery.
Here are five tips that can help you stay healthy while you’re safe at home.
1. Make sure you’re getting some exercise.
If you already have a regular exercise routine, try to keep up with it as best as you can. Gyms and fitness-based companies like Peloton are offering on-demand video workout classes or live streaming gym sessions. Additionally, there are countless videos on YouTube demonstrating at-home workout ideas, like yoga or bodyweight exercises. Taking a daily walk around your neighborhood with your family is also a great way to get some fresh air and some cardio in.
2. Maintain regular meal schedules.
Eating well-balanced, regular meals can help your body maintain energy levels to keep you going throughout the day. Planning ahead for your meals minimizes the need to take extra trips to the grocery store, and meal prep can also be a great way to prevent overconsumption. Since you’re spending more time inside than out, make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D, either in the form of a supplement or foods like tuna, eggs and cheese.
3. Stay hydrated.
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help to fight off illnesses by maintaining the mucus membrane of your nose, and can help decrease irritation that can be caused by coughing and sneezing. Additionally, staying hydrated can help you recover if you do get sick – fever and coughing can easily dehydrate you and prolong your symptoms.
4. Take Stock of your mental health.
It’s important to nourish your mind as well as your body. If needed, take a break from scrolling social media or watching the news. Meditation apps like Headspace can help you practice mindfulness and give you a mental refresh. Video chatting with friends and family can help bring a sense of normalcy to your life, and can supplement regular social interactions like book clubs, happy hours or movie nights, providing you with a mental health boost.
5. Get plenty of sleep.
Try to maintain as normal of a sleep schedule as you can. Experts recommend seven to nine hours of sleep per night for adults to give you enough energy to get through your day. You may even find that you can sleep in a little more, since you’re not rushing to beat traffic in the morning!
These tips can help you to maintain a healthy lifestyle while in quarantine. Remember to practice social distancing, wash your hands regularly and wear a mask when in public spaces to help prevent the spread of illness.