It’s a high-stress time for everyone. COVID-19 has turned the world upside down, and it’s easy to fall out of good routines and into bad habits while at home. But staying healthy, both mentally and physically, is important — for your well-being and dealing with the strain of the news. It’s also easier to do than you may realize, even at home.
Eat Well
Please avoid panic buying and hoarding food (and other goods) during this time. It creates shortages for people who don’t have the opportunity to buy in bulk, and it reduces the healthy foods available for everyone. Grocery stores will continue to operate even during quarantines and shelter-in-place orders, so there’s no need to buy more than you need for a few weeks at a time.
- You don’t have to avoid buying fresh produce right now. In fact, it may be more plentiful than non-perishable foods. Buy those fruits and vegetables, cut them up, and freeze them to help them last as long as possible.
- If you do buy canned or boxed foods, look for low salt and low sugar as these are often much healthier options.
- Skip buying more snacks than you normally would, especially if you know you’re prone to stress-eating. If snacks are important to you, focus on healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and more.
Stay Fit
Sheltering in place doesn’t mean we can’t go outside, so you have more fitness options than you may realize.
- As long as you can safely maintain six feet of distance between you and others, you can walk, run, bike, hike, and enjoy other outside activities.
- If going outside isn’t the best option, at-home workouts are easy to do. Use YouTube, fitness groups on social media, and even online options from your local gym to stay fit at home.
- Any movement is good movement, so if you have gardening, raking, lawn work, and even a room to paint, it can help you stay physically fit.
Get Enough Sleep
Even in the best of times, most of us don’t get enough sleep. Now, with our stress at all time highs, it’s even more important. Sleeping well not only keeps you physically healthy, it helps reduce stress and anxiety.
- Set a bedtime. Just because you don’t have a long commute anymore doesn’t mean you should stay up all night either.
- Put your phone away before bed. Avoid scrolling in bed, as that keeps you up longer and makes it more difficult to fall asleep.
- Use music, white noise, and even meditation apps to help you fall asleep at night. Try not to use the TV, as it can be too distracting and stimulating for good sleep.
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Everyone is more stressed than ever before, and with good reason, but reducing stress and anxiety will keep us healthier for longer. Getting enough sleep is one way. Reducing your news consumption is another. And if you need an extra boost, consider yoga, meditation, and even journaling to help you slow down, breathe easier, and feel less anxious.
Take care of yourself now and in the future. We’re here for you. Contact Charlotte Insurance for all your insurance needs.