Plan your meals and snacks, choose exercise that you like, and go digital during the coronavirus pandemic to stay on track.
Living all, or almost all, of your waking moments at home can be hard on your health. If you are someone who is used to making multiple trips per day to the store, to work, the gym and elsewhere, you may be finding it difficult to stay within close quarters during the COVID-19 crisis.
Apart from the psychological difficulty that can come with social distancing and self-isolation, keeping physically fit can also be a challenge. It can be easy to toss your regular routines out the window. In line with this, it can also be commonplace to forget your personal exercise goals. Need help? Here are 5 tips for staying healthy during the pandemic.
Plan Snack and Meal Times
Schedules can help you stay on track with many things. Plan your days in advance. Do not roll out of bed in the morning and go straight to your work spot at home in order to check emails before breakfast. Set a wake up time, official break times, snack times and meal times.
It may sound like a lot, but it can help you break up your day when you need to, and scheduling can keep you from snacking all day long, without taking a break for a real meal.
Related: How Experts Recommend You Disinfect Your Groceries During COVID-19
Making a plan can also ensure that you actually do eat.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is a good idea when at home to treat food the way you would when at the office. You cannot graze all day there, (usually), and so by setting boundaries, you are avoiding the temptation to do so at home. Make a plan and stick to it.
Buy Healthy Snacks
It goes without saying that even if you plan your break times, if you end up filling up on pastries and chips when they do come around, you are probably not going to be doing your waste line any favors. Experts say you should go for protein, fiber, fruits and veggies and healthy fats. Remember, crackers, nuts and cheese with some apple slices on the side is going to keep you more productive and in a better mood than a chocolate bar and another coffee.
Choose an Exercise Activity You Like
Those who already exercise by going jogging, running, walking or bicycling may have workout schedules that can run uninterrupted. For others who rely on the gym, however, these are tough times.
Do not be afraid to change things up. You can still get great results.
Related: 5 Best Practices for Effective Social Distancing
Choose activities that you like and will actually do. If biking is not your thing, and you usually use an elliptical machine at the gym, try taking up jogging, instead.
For some variety, go online. Some places are offering free workout classes online during the COVID-19 crisis which are free to access. Lifetime has some classes, as well as Nike and other fitness sites.
Get Active for a Cause
If you are finding that your motivation is slow when exercising at home, consider “donating” your exercise time to a cause. There are numerous organizations, like Charity Miles, that let every mile of cardio you complete generate monetary donations from sponsors- ie, big businesses. The miles you log can donate money to a cause like the Cancer Society.
Go Digital
Now could be the right time to invest in a wearable fitness tracker. You can coordinate with others online through these trackers, and stay inspired to workout by cheering others on. By using a fitness tracker, you get the benefits of social networking while you workout, which is the best thing you can do now, without actually getting to the gym, or meeting with your walking group.
