With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the majority of us are spending a lot more time at home more than we ever have before. Though you might not be able to visit the gym as frequently or see your friends and family in person, there are still plenty of ways to maintain and improve your physical and mental wellbeing. With that in mind, we’ve compiled ten top tips to help keep you healthy and happy – read on to find out more!
Work exercise into your daily routine
It’s surprising how much a short walk per day can make to your physical and mental health. Why not take a walk around your local area during your lunch break to soak up some Vitamin D or dedicate some time before hitting the office – or work from home space – in the morning. If you’re still commuting, take the stairs where you can and get in those steps! Even if it’s just 30 minutes, three times a week, you’ll be improving your fitness regardless.
Take on a new fitness challenge
There’s nothing quite like a new challenge to motivate you. Whether you want to improve an aspect of your fitness or just want to try something new, there’s plenty out there to get involved with. Download the Couch to 5k app to start running or commit to a 30-day exercise plan. You could even sign up for virtual classes in yoga, pilates or barre.
Try a new sport in the comfort of your home
Even if you’re limited in space, you can always try something new at home. YouTube has thousands of dedicated fitness channels to guide you through home workouts, yoga, stretches and more. The options are limitless and available at every level of expertise.
Fill your meals with colour
As the old saying goes, the more colourful your plate, the better you’ll feel. Make an active choice to include more ‘whole’ foods in the things you eat i.e. non-processed foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables are not only delicious, they’re packed full of goodness too.
Experiment with new recipes
Have you gotten more active in your kitchen during lockdown, why not experiment with new recipes? There are hundreds of websites, YouTube channels and books to help you find inspiration. You might even find some great new recipes for regular rotation in your weekly meals.
Pick up a hobby
Keeping your mind active doesn’t just mean exercising. Picking up a hobby that requires your focus is a great way to keep your brain active. Some of the best to enjoy at home include reading, pottery, embroidery, cycling and gardening.
Get a good night’s sleep
Getting REM sleep is one of the most important ways we can care for ourselves. Aim for at least eight hours – even if that means shutting everything off earlier than normal. It will even help to reduce your stress and relax you. To promote positive sleep habits leave devices outside the bedroom, studies have shown that even our small electronic devices emit sufficient light to miscue the brain and promote wakefulness.
Start daily meditation
There are hundreds of meditation apps – with particular favourites including Calm and Headspace – which have guided meditations on there to help you feel more mindful. Even if you only have a few minutes to spare, take a moment to be present and relax. It’ll help you more than you know.
Stay sociable – within reason
Isolation can really mess with our mental health, so where you can, try to keep in contact with people. Organise virtual calls with friends and family to keep in the loop. Perhaps, plan a Zoom quiz or plan an online gaming session.
Make time for self-care
In lockdown, mental health has become more important than ever. Make sure to carve out time for self-care, whatever that may look like for you: reading a book, watching a film, baking etc.
Remember, mental and physical health are intertwined, so taking care of one is always going to help the other. For more information, visit Nugent Sante today.
Studies: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/electronics-bedroom-why-its-necessary-turn-you-tuck
