Health and Wellness

How Stay Healthy At Home

The coronavirus has required us to make dramatic behavior changes in a very short period of time. From social distancing to staying at home, health, both mental and physical, is of critical importance.

But, in this time of physical distancing, it can be challenging to find ways to stay healthy in mind, body and spirit. Especially since many of the activities we usually turn to for physical and mental wellbeing involve social interaction.

There are however, ways we can still focus on our health and wellness during these uncertain times. With this in mind, we offer some insight on how to maintain your health and wellness during COVID-19.

Structure Your Days

The physical isolation and departure from familiar routines can be disorienting. By taking the time to plan out each day and sticking to it, you can reduce your level of stress. Here are a few ways to give structure to your day:

• Set a breakfast, lunch, and dinner time
• Create a checklist each morning to stay productive
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule
• Set a time for regular exercise

Stay Connected 

Maintaining relationships with people you trust and care about is important. Make sure to check in with your friends, family, and neighbors regularly, using texts, phone calls, emails, video calls and other virtual tools.

Spend time virtually doing activities you would normally do together. This can be anything from watching TV to reading the newspaper or listening to music and even enjoying a meal together.

Move Your Body

Staying active can help improve your mental alertness and decrease your level of stress. So, make sure to move your body in some capacity every day. This can be as simple as getting up to stretch each hour or taking walks around your neighborhood.

From yoga to Tai Chi, the opportunities for movement are endless especially when you consider they are available virtually. Here are a few free online video resources to help you get started:

• Yoga: https://www.silversneakers.com/class/yoga/
• Tai Chi: https://www.silversneakers.com/class/silversneakers-enerchi/

Mind Your Thoughts

Because crisis heightens fear and anxiety, the more you can shift out of your head and into your body, the more grounded you will feel. And, the faster you let go of expectations of normal, the faster you will adapt. Here are five daily questions you should ask yourself:

1. 1. What are you grateful for?
   2. Who are you connecting with, or checking on?
   3. How will you get outside?
   4. What beauty are you inviting, creating, or cultivating?
   5. How are you moving your body?