During a global pandemic like COVID-19, your health and wellness are more important than ever. Just because you are stuck around your home while social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of your time. With more cities placing staying at home guidelines in effect, this is a perfect time to hunker down and enjoy some time at home.
If you're not used to being inside for long stints, you might be feeling a little unsure of how to fill your day. Questions you may never have thought about are probably popping up like “Should I wash my hands 12 times a day? How do I keep these crazy kids entertained for hours? Can I live off of Postmates for months? Never fear, we have 7 tips that will keep you sane and help you feel less anxious during this challenging time.
1) Work it Out
Creativity is the name of the game when it comes to exercising at home. There are also plenty of moves — like squats, crunches, burpees, planks, push-ups and jumping jacks— you can do in even a small space. With the internet, there are thousands of YouTube videos that can keep you fit while fighting boredom. Who doesn’t want to come out of quarantine with a six pack? Set a daily time to get at least 30 minutes of exercise in to beat the stay-inside stress.
2) Get Your Zzz’s
With all the news briefings, sanitizing and staying on top of your workload, sleep is one of the first things to suffer. Sleep is essential to your overall health and mental wellbeing, so make it a priority. Turn off any screens at least an hour before bed and read instead. Try a calming tea, listen to some music, or try a meditation app to help you wind down. If insomnia persists, don’t hesitate to talk to a medical professional and get help.
3) Set Up the Perfect Remote Workspace
Many of us are finding ourselves in new remote working environments, some of us for the first time ever. There are some great perks that come from working from home - sweatpants and no commute for starters- but setting up a productive workspace and routine can make all the difference in how you experience remote life. Here are some quick tips:
- Make sure that you take mental breaks to keep focused in the long term. Have a coffee or call a friend.
- Try not to work in bed and set up a separate space to do your work.
- Avoid tempting distractions like Netflix. Make a pact with yourself to only do fun activities once your work is complete.
- If you have family or roommates, make sure you set boundaries with them so they know that even though you are home there is still working hours where you don’t want to be disturbed.
4) Keep It Clean
When you’re stuck at home it is a great time to clean up your space and protect yourself. To keep the germs at bay, use a disinfectant wipe to clean off any surfaces you or your family touch frequently like door knobs, kitchen counters, remote controls and phones. For larger areas like couches or floors you can use a disinfectant spray like Lysol to kill any lingering bacteria.
And as we all know by now, handwashing is the best way to keep viruses away. The CDC has provided a great list of when and how frequently to wash your hands here.
5) Take a Virtual Adventure
Organizations around the world have increased their offering of exciting virtual adventures you can take without ever leaving the couch. These exceptional resources allow you to explore zoos, museums, and other faraway places while in the comfort of your own home. Check out cultural exhibits at the Louvre, walk the Great Wall of China, or even live out your childhood dream of being an astronaut with a stroll on Mars.
6) Eat for Your Health
During times of stress it is easy to fall into bad eating habits. But ordering McDonalds for the fifth time this week will only make you more anxious in the long run. Cooking is a great stress reliever and you can get creative with new recipes. Try a themed night, like Parisian Cafe, and try foods from new places.
7) Plan Your Dream Trip
When you stay at home you are contributing to stopping the virus and making it possible for us to have a world where we can travel freely again. So why not take some time to plan your dream vacation, update your travel gear and get ready for your next trip. Vision boards like Pinterest can give you inspiration for your next great getaway.
What are some of the ways that you are keeping calm and staying healthy this spring? Leave us a comment below with your best tips!
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