The pandemic has changed everything about the way we live our lives, from the way we work to the way we enjoy our free time. And among these changes is a shift in how we stay fit.
With gyms closed and spending too much time outside of our homes discouraged, we’ve been forced to get creative in our efforts with keeping healthy. Though it might take some adjustment, staying fit isn’t impossible, even in lockdown.
If you’ve been feeling a little discouraged, don’t worry, you’re not alone. And we’re here to help you push through and learn how to keep healthy from home.
Read on to learn everything you need to know!
Mix up Your Exercise Regimen
Gyms closing down was a serious blow to fitness enthusiasts and those interested in getting fit alike. But just because you can’t go to the gym doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get your 150 minutes of physical activity per week!
You never know; after a bit of experimenting, you might find that you enjoy working out at home more than going to the gym.
Thankfully, we live in the age of the internet, where anything you could ever want or need is available at the touch of a button. There are endless at-home workout videos for people of all fitness levels. Only have a set of dumbbells? You can still get a great workout. Don’t have any workout equipment at all? No problem!
Rather than visiting the gym a few times a week, your exercise regimen might look more like yoga on Monday, riding your bike around the neighborhood on Wednesday, and following a workout video on Friday. Don’t be afraid to mix it up and get creative.
Work on Your Diet
Because many of us aren’t able to get the kind of workout we’re used to getting at the gym, diet is even more important than it is under normal circumstances. If your diet is poor, you’ll find keeping fit is nearly impossible.
Take an honest look at what you’re using to fuel your body. Is your typical plate full of vibrant fruits and vegetables alongside some chicken or fish, or is it a little less nutritious?
The best way to approach your diet is to think of it as a lifestyle change, not a temporary shift. If your diet isn’t the best now, make small, healthy changes over time rather than attempting to change everything overnight.
Rather than having a doughnut in the morning, reach for a banana with some peanut butter instead. When you’ve done this for a few days, swap your afternoon candy bar with some celery and hummus.
Before you know it, you’ll be eating a nutrient-dense diet that makes a positive impact on your body that you can both see and feel.
Track Your Calories
For some people, tracking calories is a slippery slope. For others, it’s the perfect solution to how to keep healthy. If you’re concerned that you’re eating too many calories in a day and it’s causing you to gain weight, try tracking your calories for a week or so.
If you feel that it’s helpful, continue. However, if you find that you’re constantly worried about calorie count or it starts to become an obsession, drop it.
Instead of counting calories, you can continue to work toward a diet built on whole foods. You would have to eat a mountain of broccoli to even come close to the number of calories in a slice of cake!
Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is the foundation upon which every other aspect of our health rests. Without 7-9 hours of high-quality sleep per night, you’ll find that both your mental and physical health suffers.
With everything going on in the world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That overwhelm leads to stress, which leads to a lack of sleep. Combating this effectively might take some trial, but the rewards will be worth the effort.
The first step to take if you find it difficult to fall or stay asleep is to cease caffeine consumption in the afternoon. Caffeine stays in your system for many hours after drinking it, meaning a mid-afternoon coffee can throw off your sleep schedule.
Once you’ve done this, consider creating a nighttime routine to help you relax and let your body and mind know it’s time for bed. This will be specific to you and what makes you feel relaxed, but you can do things like taking a hot bath, reading or completing a light yoga routine.
Regardless of the activities you choose, you need to put the screens away 30 minutes to an hour before bed. The blue light emitted by our phones and computers disrupts our circadian rhythm.
Practice Mindfulness
In addition to getting a good night’s sleep on a consistent basis, it can be extremely helpful to make a conscious effort to practice mindfulness. Again, this is going to look different for everyone, but choose an activity that makes you feel centered and calm.
Believe it or not, reducing your stress levels through mindfulness can actually help you with everything from sleeping better to losing weight to reset metabolism! So, especially in trying times such as these, it’s essential to stay focused on the positives and what we do have rather than everything wrong with our lives and the world.
You can practice meditation in the morning to start your day, journal, or make a list of five things you’re grateful for. Whatever your activity is, make time for it every day.
Make Keeping Healthy Simple With This Guide
At the end of the day, there’s no secret solution to keeping healthy. Getting enough exercise, sleep, and nutrients are essential no matter what’s happening in the world.
The trick is to keep pushing forward, even when you feel discouraged. Take it one day at a time and before you know it, you’ll have built a healthy routine that will keep you in shape.
Looking for more tips for improving your health and fitness? Be sure to check out our blog!
