Do you feel like you’ve stopped following a healthy routine because the COVID-19 pandemic has you staying at home? With the pandemic and stay-at-home orders, many of us are feeling quite out of sorts these days. But don’t worry – Registered-Dietitian Nutritionist, Katherine Harris, from our partner AdvantageCare Physicians shared her tips on how you can get some control back even when things seem out of control and get back into a healthy routine.
1. Have a sleep routine: Create a set bedtime and waking time that you can stick with 7 days per week. Adults require 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep for optimal health.
2. Plan your eating: Plan your daily meal times and eat three balanced meals each day around the same time. Eating consistently each day can help you better manage your appetite and having a schedule can also help reduce any emotional eating.
3. Hydrate: Drink water throughout the day. About 64oz (~2 liters) give or take should be plenty.
4. Make time for physical activity: Get up and move every hour and designate a specific time each day to do some exercise. Online exercise videos are a great way to ensure a balanced workout which includes a dynamic warm up and increasing heart rate, cool down and stretching. Use your own body weight for resistance training.
5. Connect with others: Make time in your new daily routine to connect with family and friends over the phone or video calls like FaceTime. Check in with others who live alone or could use some support.
6. Take time to journal: Try keeping a gratitude journal and even write down the things that worry you during this time. Focusing on what you can control during this time may be more helpful. You can also incorporate drawing or coloring for stress relief.
7. Clean and organize: Make your bed every morning, organize your closets and kitchen so that your physical environment is as relaxing as possible. If you have children in the home, give them age appropriate chores to do as well.
8. Be strategic when shopping: Keep an inventory list of what foods and essentials you are running low on so that you can prioritize your shopping list. Plan your shopping strategy to minimize your trips to the store and follow these grocery store guidleines to stay safe.
9. Focus on your health care: Stay connected to your medical provider with virtual visits. Not sure if your visit will be covered? You can find answers to your telehealth questions and more on our Coronavirus resource page.
Adapted from a blog post originally published by AdvantageCare Physicians.
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