It’s no secret that life has been very different for everyone lately. For most of us, we’ve never had to deal with anything quite like this pandemic before. We’ve never lived in a world where you had to stay home 95% of the time. #ISO has been a big change for all of us. Some are handling it better than others, but we all have to adapt to this “new normal.”
For some people, the pressure of having to be at home so much may cause anxiety or boredom, which can cause mindless eating. It’s real easy when stuck at home to just sit on the couch and eat all day. Which can be fun for a day or two but afterwards, you feel like a blobby gross mess. So why not implement some tips into your life, while stuck at home, that will help you stay healthy and feel great!
How To Stay Healthy During Quarantine
1. Start your day off with water
Whether it’s warm lemon water, room temperature, or ice cold, do whatever you prefer. Water first thing in the morning will help you feel better throughout the day. It will kick-start your digestion (especially if room temp) and it will put you in a healthier mindset. You are more likely to eat healthy throughout the day if you start off with a healthy habit.
2. Elevate your meals with natural immune boosters
Ingredients like fresh lemon, ginger, garlic, turmeric, and fresh herbs (if you can get your hands on them) are great ways to add a little immune boost to your food. I’m currently obsessed with fresh thyme. It’s easy to find, taste delicious, and it’s super antibacterial. It is also packed with Vitamin C.
A tip for getting the most benefits from garlic: eat it raw. If garlic is cooked, the heat takes away the anti-bacterial and anti-microbiol properties. Chop your garlic and let it sit for 15-20 minutes so that the allicin can emerge, then sprinkle onto your food after cooking.
3. Move your body in a way that makes you happy
Everyone responds differently to certain workouts. With all the uncertainty and negativity going around, it’s important to participate in movement that makes you feel great and energized. For instance, some people thrive off a cardio workout. While others may respond better to an at-home pilates session. Maybe even try to exercise outside if you have space for a little extra vitamin D, we all need it right now. Whatever the movement may be, do what you love! For the best at-home workouts, check out this blog post.
4. Fit in a quick self-care routine.
It doesn’t have to be a long drawn out process. You may not have the time for a long self-care routine or you may have more time than usual due to being stuck at home. Whatever extra time you have, even if it’s only 10 minutes, do something that makes the stress float away. Here are some options:
- Take a hot bath
- Apply a face mask
- Read a book
- Take a walk
- Bike ride around your neighborhood
- Meditate
- Plant a small garden
- Binge a show on netflix
- Journal
- Devotional/pray
One of my personal favorite 5 minute self-care routines is my Gua Sha routine. I am hooked! Gua Sha is not just for women by the way! It’s great for sore muscles and feels like an amazing massage. I can feel the muscle tension and stress floating away every time. You can read more on the benefits of Gua Sha here. And if you want to purchase a Gua Sha stone, click here for the one I use. Be sure to use the code HEALTHYHIPPIE for a discount!
5. Grocery shop online
It can be hard not to snack on everything unhealthy while stuck at home. However, if you don’t have unhealthy snacks in your house, it will be hard to snack on something unhealthy. This is where online grocery shopping comes into play. When you grocery shop online, you are much more inclined to stick to your grocery list. You don’t see the random carton of ice cream calling your name, even though it wasn’t on your list because you don’t set foot in the store. Plan out your meals for the week, make a list of what you need from the grocery store, then make the online order and stick to your list. This will ensure you purchase healthier items. So for a list of my favorite healthy snacks click here.
Even my local farmer’s market is taking online pre-orders right now. Try to shop locally and support those small businesses in your area by ordering an online box of fresh fruit and veggies from your farmer’s market.
6. Meal plan
Now don’t get this confused with meal prepping. Why prep if you are home all the time, right? Just simply plan out your meals for the week. This tip goes along with the previous and you will be amazed at how much easier the meal process is if it’s planned. It’s less stressful if you already know what you are going to cook and you already have the ingredients to cook them. Also, now is the time to try those new recipes you pinned on Pinterest ages ago but have never made them because you didn’t have the time. So plan to try something new.
I hope these tips were helpful. In a time of uncertainty, it’s okay to change your routine and do a little extra to keep you from going crazy. Your stress level may be higher than normal right now and that’s okay. Try to pick a few things that make you happy and implement them into your healthy routine!
