This can start with creating a daily schedule:
Make sure to set your work hours, let your colleagues and/or clients know, and do not respond outside of those hours.
Gyms are closed, but this is not an excuse to stop working out. Make a point to keep up with your fitness routine by doing at-home workouts.
Find some workouts on YouTube or download apps. Many fitness providers are now offering free trials such as Peleton, CorePower, Aaptiv, or Melissa Wood Health.
Put out your workout clothes and gym shoes the night before so when you wake up you have a physical reminder to move that day.
Work out over Zoom or FaceTime with a friend or create a group challenge where everyone needs to check-in with the group at the end of the day.
Have a step challenge with friends. Apps like Social Steps and Outwalk even have weekly leadership boards.
If you’re sitting at a computer all day, set an alarm on your phone so you get up every hour.
Activities you can do:
Look for what foods you already have before shopping. While grocery stores are restocking, go through your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to create nutritious meals. Chances are you have many healthy foods and meals available at your fingertips.
Prep meals and healthy snacks to have on hand. If you don’t like to cook, there are plenty of healthy meal delivery services available in each city.
Avoid sugar, fats, fried food, and mindless eating. Instead, choose a healthy snack such as hummus, apples and peanut butter, or a smoothie.
Taking a few minutes to meditate each day can have a profound effect on your emotional and physical health.
The idea is to put yourself in the present moment, where you are not focused on the news or stressing about the future.
The following apps are a great way to get started: Calm, Headspace, SimplyBeing, Breathe2Relax, The Mindfulness App, Omvava.
You can do it at any moment you start to feel stressed or anxious.
Practice gratitude by creating a gratitude journal. Write five things you are grateful for first thing in the morning or right before you go to bed at night.
On average, you need 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
Sleep is crucial for maintaining your body’s immunity and productivity.
When you get a good night’s sleep, mood-regulation serotonin levels stabilize. But when you miss out on sleep, your brain cannot rebalance, and, studies suggest, may even shut down your mind’s logic center.
To help fall asleep:
Take a mental time out to call an old friend or family member, read a book, watch a guilty pleasure on Netflix, cook a meal, play a game with your family, or take a bath.
Use this time to do things that you have been procrastinating, such as reorganizing your closet, spring cleaning your office or pantry, unpacking, or taking an online class. This will keep you occupied, and you’ll feel accomplished.
Practice physical distancing not social distancing. You can still call or FaceTime your family and friends. Have a virtual dinner party and plan a theme night. If you’re part of a study group, continue that remotely.
Remember, this too shall pass. A new season is right around the corner. It’s only a moment in time so stay hopeful and take care of you and your family. Positive vibes!
– Erin Clifford
Erin Clifford, partner at Clifford Law Offices, has a passion for health and wellness, and is an experienced wellness coach. If you have any questions about this post, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Erin is happy to answer any wellness-related questions to support you during this time.