By Stephanie Navarro
We are now about 4 weeks into the Coronavirus quarantine and with all this uncertainty as to how long this will last, it may seem hard to stay optimistic. However, now is when we need positivity the most. Today I’ll be sharing some tips on how to stay healthy, both physically and mentally, while you are social distancing.
1. Practice Gratitude. When you wake up each morning, take a minute to write down something you are grateful for. It is pretty easy to get caught up in the negativity this pandemic has brought to the world. While our regular lives have been temporarily taken from us, there is still so much to be thankful for. Remember you’re not “stuck at home” you are safe at home.
2. Keep a consistent sleep schedule. You may want to stay up until 3 AM every night binge watching a Netflix series, but keeping a routine sleep schedule will help you stay productive. Aim to get around 8 hours of sleep every night in order to have your mind and body feeling clear and refreshed for the next day.
3. Cook meals at home. As tempting as ordering Postmates and Uber Eats may be, try to avoid it as much as possible. Eating out will only cause you to gain weight and spend money. DO NOT GAIN THE QUARANTINE 15! Instead, stock up on healthy ingredients and take the time to make fresh home cooked meals. Remember all those healthy recipes you saved on Pinterest but “never had the time” to make? You have all the time in the world now!
4. Phone a friend. In a trying time like this, we must never forget the importance and value of human connection. Feeling lonely? Call a friend. Feeling anxious? Call your mom. My friends and I have been scheduling weekly Facetime calls to keep each other updated. Scheduling time to speak to your loved ones will give you something to look forward to throughout the week.
5. Move your body! Do one at home workout every single day. There are thousands of free home workouts you can find on websites like YouTube and Pinterest. Grab your exercise mat and any other equipment you already own and get moving! A few other great options include taking your dog for a walk around the neighborhood, going for a run, or riding bike. Just remember to stay at least 6 feet apart from others.
6. Stay hydrated. The number of benefits drinking water brings to your body are endless. Staying hydrated will reduce headaches, boosts energy, aids in digestion, and so on. Try drinking a gallon of water a day!
7. Keep your space tidy. Whether you are working from home, or are currently unemployed, keeping your space clean is super important for increasing productivity. A clean and organized environment will create a positive and inviting atmosphere, which will leave you being happy to be home.
8. Start a passion project. Now is the perfect time to finally getting around to the tasks and hobbies you have been neglecting. Maybe you love drawing or sewing. Or maybe you’ve been wanting to clean out your closet or start a blog. Whatever it is, get those creative juices flowing and start a passion project.
9. Self-care! Include setting apart some “me time” into your life. Self-care can mean different things for different people. Just take some time to do something that will make you happy. For me, self-care means putting on a face mask and listening to my favorite music every few nights. Other great examples include: treating yourself to your favorite dessert, meditation, and journaling.
10. Stay informed, but not overwhelmed. Your social media timelines are probably flooded with Coronavirus news and updates, making it very easy to cause stress and anxiety about the unknown. The reality is, no one knows exactly when this will be over. But we must remain calm. It is important that you stay informed, however don’t overdo it. Take frequent social media breaks to ease your mind.
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