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You may’ve been feeling out of control lately. Don’t worry; it isn’t just you; everyone does. Like many other people isolated inside their homes, you feel your habits have shifted in the absence of your daily routine. Maybe staying 24/7 inside your house means you’re neglecting your fitness routine, eating more, or sleeping less. During a crisis like the one the world is facing, it’s common for people to struggle with dysregulations like insomnia, unhealthy eating, or dehydration. Your life has been disrupted, and you try to adapt to the strict rules the authorities impose. The changes might have come quicker than you were ready to accept, and you’re struggling with feelings of unease and uncertainty. Your body and mind have to adapt to spending most of your time indoors. As an overthinker, self-isolation makes you turn your attention to what’s going on in your mind, but if you want to battle those negative thoughts, focus all your attention on what’s happening inside your body. Your body and mind are connected, and every change your body experiences affects your mind.
So, can you do something to improve your wellbeing while you are locked inside your house? Yes, you can fight the pandemic and the way it unexpectedly shaped your life. How? We may have a couple of ideas.
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Move, even if isolated at home
How are you supposed to stay active when you are quarantining? Your house is your playground now, and it’s important to create a consistent exercise routine to maintain your health during the pandemic. Physical activity boosts your immune system and has a positive impact on your diet. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity revealed that people who exercise are more likely to eat nutrient-dense foods, fruits, and vegetables.
When you exercise, you are more motivated to fuel your body with healthy foods and stay away from less nutritious snacks.
Cook creatively. You have all the time in the world to experiment with food
Now that you spend all your time inside the house, you can improve your cooking skills. Before, you had no time to spend in the kitchen and try new recipes, but now you can dive into cooking. You can create a nutritious meal that includes protein and vegetables with what you have in your fridge, but you only need a little inspiration. And luckily, the Internet provides you with all the inspiration you need (from chefs to lifestyle bloggers, everyone shares their favorite recipes on the Internet now).
Learn to cook stews, soups, stir-fries, pasta dishes, frittatas, burritos, and casseroles. Challenge yourself to use the available ingredients and not buy others until you clear your fridge. This can save money and stretch the time between grocery shopping. It also prevents food waste, which is an issue the planet is struggling right now. The Americans are throwing away 80 billion lbs of food annually, equivalent to 1000 Empire State Buildings.
Stock your shelves with nutritious food
To cook healthy meals, you need to stock your pantry with nutritious supplies. During the pandemic, the trips to the grocery store are less frequent. If you are ill or isolated at home, you may even have to order food or ask your friends or family to bring it to your house. Stocking your pantry with nutritious supplies leaves you prepared for whatever situation you may encounter because they can be stored for more extended periods.
Having nutritious foods at hand makes it easier to cook healthy meals. What should you buy? Dried fruits, peanut butter, whole grain pasta, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, canned tuna, canned and dried beans, whole grain and oatmeal cereals, and brown rice.
Prioritize sleep
Your diet and sleep patterns are closely connected. When you deprive yourself of sleep, your body produces a higher level of the hormone ghrelin that triggers hunger, and lower levels of leptin make you feel full.
A lack of sleep also enhances your response to unhealthy foods that seem irresistible. Even if your body doesn’t feel exhausted enough to go to sleep, practice good sleep habits. Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily, stay away from coffee before bed, and put your phone away an hour before bedtime.
Take care of your mental health
Social distancing and home isolation may trigger anxiety and depression. To improve your mental state, change some of your habits. Do something new daily and connect with your family and friends even if you cannot meet them in-person. The Internet provides you with means to stay in touch with the people you love, so take advantage of them. If your mental health deteriorates, ask for help and use natural treatments like the CBD’s Elektra strain. Reach out to a therapist who counsels their patients online because they can help you fight the negative thoughts the pandemic unearthed in your mind.
Go easy on yourself because it’s understandable to struggle with anxiety symptoms while social distancing from everyone you love.
Allow your heart to love
The pandemic may set you apart from your partner or family, but it shouldn’t rip a hole in your love. For a few months, calls and video chats should do, even if you miss hugging them.
The context isn’t ideal for dating, but you can do it, only that it will take some creativity. Skype and FaceTime will act as venues for a while, and catering will work as restaurants. Your virtual dates can enable more intimacy and allow you to get to know your partner better. The pandemic showed people could get quite imaginative when it comes to dating and meeting new people. Social media has shared many stories of people who met online during the pandemic and started new relationships.
Also, for your heart to love, it should be healthy, so if you are experiencing heart issues, stock up on medications, and get all the medical equipment you need.
Spending your time isolated at home isn’t thrilling, but you can nourish your body and promote wellbeing.
