In many states, the cancellation of events, closing of businesses, schools and public spaces has left a lot of us trying to adjust to very different routines. During times like this, it’s essential to take care of ourselves, mentally and physically. Here are basic tips for staying healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Manage stress and find calm
Turn off the news, TV and radio, or step away from social media for a while to sit somewhere quiet and comfortable. Practice deep-breathing exercises, or try guided meditation through an app such as Headspace or Calm. If you have a notebook around, consider journaling for 10 or more minutes a day. Give yourself time to do other activities you enjoy or find relaxing, and make sure you are sleeping enough. - Eat nutritious foods
Plan your meals to include each of the following: starch, protein and produce. The impulse while shopping is to buy a lot of grains and canned foods, but think about adding fresh produce to your list. You can buy fruits and vegetables to eat right away, or save some for later — just cut them up and store them in the freezer. - Exercise
If you can’t go to the gym, there are many options to work out at home or close to home.
At home, you could try joining a virtual class or following a routine on YouTube. You could also do yoga, stretch or lift weights. You don’t even need equipment to do push-ups, squats, crunches or lunges. To get into a regular workout schedule, pick several exercises, and complete a few reps of each throughout the day.
Outside your home, walking, running, or biking in your neighborhood are good options. Just be sure you can stay six or more feet away from others. If you want to stay close to home, and the weather is nice, gardening is another great option.
Hang in there; stay strong, and stay healthy!
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