Posted on April 20, 2020 at 9:56 pm by Clay Curtin
While staying home to stay safe, residents are faced with the reality of carrying on everyday routines within their home, including telecommuting and schooling. While staying home is essential for flattening the curve, the “new norm” is unfamiliar to many. It’s important that we keep and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Tips for staying healthy at home
Keep a clean home environment and practice proper protection. When going to the grocery store or pharmacy, be mindful that contact with other individuals increases your risk of being exposed to COVID-19. Reduce your risk by:
- Wear face coverings when going outside for essential services
- Practice 6 feet of social distancing while outside and around others
- Washing your hands with soap
- Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces in your home
Keep exercising or try classes virtually! There are plenty of exercises that can be done at home with little or no equipment, such as:
- Taking a long walk around the neighborhood
- Watching a yoga video or taking a class online
- Performing body weight exercises, such as push-ups, pull-ups, wall squats and sit-ups
Try to stick to a meal schedule and eating healthy. While we are all at home, you or your family member may feel inclined to reach into the cabinets for extra snacks throughout the day. Meal preparation and designated meal times will help to:
- Regulate consumption
- Ensure a well-balanced diet
- Avoid the temptation of ordering take-out foods that can be highly processed
Take care of your mental health. While it’s important to stay updated regarding COVID-19, it’s easy to become wrapped up in all the information, increasing stress and anxiety levels. Stress-reducing strategies include:
- Giving yourself breaks from the news and social media
- Getting plenty of sleep
- Practicing meditation
- Engaging in video chat with friends and family
Learn something new. Learning new things keep us engaged. You might have some extra time on your hands, instead of watching TV or having the kids be on the phones, find a topic or skill of interest.
