We're all finding ourselves settling into a new routine these days and some of you may be struggling to find your groove in this new normal. Here is a list of 5 things to keep your mental health in check and your body feeling good as we continue to live our lives at home during this pandemic.
1. Find Your Routine And Stick To It
Humans need routines and finding your new routine is so important to your mental health during uncertain times. Start by choosing a time to get up in the morning and aim to wake up at that time everyday. Plan each meal time, this will help to minimize mindless snacking and schedule in your workout to make sure you don’t miss any opportunity to move. When does your work stop and your leisure activities start? Lastly, choose a bedtime and make it a goal to go to bed at the same time every night. Stay consistent and everything will get easier.
2. Ask for Help
We all need a break from time to time. Communicate with the people in your household and tell them what you need help with around the house. Take turns attending to the kiddos or walking the dog so you can get a couple hours worth of uninterrupted work done. Split up cleaning duties and who cooks for the night. It's okay to ask for help when you feel overwhelmed! It's okay to take a break.
3. Move, Move, Move!
Movement is so important during this time. Stress and anxiety is at an all time high. We feel agitated because we can’t leave the house or the walls of a small apartment. We‘ve been forced into a new way of living that's out of our control filled with so many unknowns. This is why we need exercise more than ever. Exercise releases endorphins making us feel happy and relaxed. It keeps our muscles and bones healthy. It increases our energy levels and improves our mood and mental focus. It is THE perfect solution you need right now to help you through uncertain times. So, get moving!!
4. Plan Something To Look Forward To
You may not be able to go to that concert you planned back in December or the vacation you’ve been waiting for all year for but we can still plan fun things to look forward to. Plan a virtual happy hour with your best friends on Fridays after work, a Zoom trivia night or a family FaceTime. Maybe every Thursday night you order takeout from your favorite pizza place and watch a movie with the family or attend a yoga class taught by your favorite instructor on Saturday mornings! There is plenty to look forward to, just get a little creative!
5. Stock The House With Healthy Foods
It’s so easy to mindlessly snack all day when you’re steps away from a stocked kitchen. When you go grocery shopping do your best to stay away from processed foods. Whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, meats and whole grains help to improve your mood, focus and keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer! But of course... everything in moderation! Buy your favorite snacks for Friday movie night!