If the loss of your normal life is hitting you, know you’re not alone. And if anxiety is catching up with you, that is completely normal too. We need to understand that our emotions are on a rollercoaster right now and it’s okay to feel like we’re not okay. Adopting a few healthy habits can go a long way towards keeping our mental and physical health in check while we stay home and do our part to flatten the curve. Here’s some tips to help you stay #HealthyatHome
Healthy Eating
1. Drink lots of water! This isn’t new information– water has so many fantastic healing powers, both for your mental and physical stimulus. You can even add these readily available ingredients to give it more flavour and benefits:
- Cucumber slices: helps to keep you hydrated, and improve the appearance of skin
- Ginger Tea: a personal favourite. Slice a small piece of Ginger into boiling water, and thank us later. Ginger helps treat colds, headaches and even bloating- combine that with a green tea bag and eat all the cake you want (just kidding… it’s not magic tea, but it will help aid indigestion)
2. Avoid alcohol, or reduce alcohol consumption. Alcohol can weaken your immune system and increase symptoms of depression, anxiety and fear- particularly during self-quarantine, these things should be avoided
3. Get your veggies in! If you find it hard to get your 5 a day in, the easiest trick I’ve found is to make soup.
Healthy Body
1. Exercise Sources: Exercise is important for relieving stress and improving sleep. Now we have a valid excuse for not making it to the gym, many trainers, health care initiatives have gone out their way to help us work out from home! And there’s even sources for your kids to follow on YouTube if you need innovative ways for them to burn some energy!
2. Stretch it out- getting in even one sun salutation in a day will help improve the blood flow around your body, and get your body ready to start the day! Take even as little as 10 minutes a day to stretch out your muscles. Or just touch your toes every time you flick the kettle switch… for us, that’s a lot of toe touching!
Healthy Mind
1. Limit the amount of information you consume to reduce your anxiety levels- seek out the facts rather than the ‘what ifs’. Use sources like:
- The World Health Organization
- Health Canada
- Ontario Ministry of Health
- Your local public health unit
2. Focus on yourself– find new things that bring you joy. YouTube has endless free tutorials if you’re looking to learn new skills and crafts- now’s the time!
3. Physical distancing is different than social distancing. Maybe arrange a virtual dinner with some friends over zoom, or join a local pub quiz- there’s so many virtual hangout options out there!
4. Stay safe, stay at home– We’re lucky to live in the age of technology and social media, where a visit with a loved one is only a video chat away.
I’d like to extend an offer for a chat. #LetsTalk shouldn’t only happen once a year and now more than ever is the time for us to be communicating
