Ways COVID-19 shut in can promote a healthy lifestyle

Now is not a time to constantly consume the news. Focus on what CAN be done, not about the perils of the world around us. Here are a few ways that this shut in offers an opportunity to establish a healthier lifestyle.

• Changing eating habits: No longer is the excuse “I don’t have time to eat healthy” valid. Cooking offers a pleasurable expression of creativity, flavor, and comfort. It doesn’t have to be hard, and it doesn’t have to be gourmet. A staple in this household is a veggie stir fry with tofu, and a simple soy, brown sugar, and rice vinegar sauce. Simple, easy, and minimally messy.

• Exercise snacks: Snacks? Not literally snacks but, a break for a brief exercise does wonders after sitting for a while. First it gets blood moving, the muscles stay limber and active, and it helps clear the mind. A morning and evening walk have been a great opportunity personally to clear my head and re-write the inner tone, as it’s easy to get down and depressed during this time.

• Meditate, relax, decompress: Is the inner voice tearing apart the positivity in the world? Is the mind racing back and forth from one thing to another constantly looking for distractions on social media? Is focus and serenity hard to come by? Meditation, sitting quietly, and journaling are all ways to improve one’s mental state. Simply looking off into the distance and being quiet is helpful.

• Organize the environment for success: It probably isn’t apparent until now how much the things surrounding a person can influence their mindset. Look to build and adapt the household into a relaxing, cozy, and spacious area that promotes good vibes. Lighting, decor, soft spaces, all can create a comforting experience. A favorite here is a chair next to the back window with a warm lamp and a throw blanket.

• Sleep for heaven’s sake! Wonderful sleep is possible, and there’s no better time than now. Does staying up watching TV get anything accomplished? Will continuous scrolling through a phone help? Take this wellness opportunity to tune in sleep. A cool, blacked-out room will do best. Avoid any screens or TV watching in bed, and keep lighting low. It’s amazing what a good night’s sleep can do!

Shout out any ideas and let’s continue to make the best of this situation!