Are you trying to better maintain your health? It’s a lofty — but great — goal to have. Better maintaining your health in the present ensures that your vitality is bolstered in the future.
There are countless ways to maintain your health, but it’s important to start in this year, in particular. After all, the global pandemic has resulted in many people staying at home to protect their health. While we might be safe from the virus, however, many people have had their health impacted in other ways.
Health problems during COVID-19
There are a few common health issues that have cropped up as a side effect of social distancing because of COVID-19. Most people are being encouraged to stay in their homes, limit their social interactions, and work from home if possible. This is essential to stopping the spread of the virus. But staying at home all day can negatively impact your health. Here are some of the problems that people have encountered because of social distancing and the pandemic as a whole:
- Stress: Stress has become a global issue. Not only are people terrified of catching the virus, but they’re also worried about the health of their family members and friends. On top of that, people have lost their jobs and are struggling to get new ones. Even if you’re coping with social isolation well, you’re likely going to feel some level of stress because of the changes happening outside your door.
- Lethargy and fatigue: Many people have also found that they’re more tired than usual. This is a common side effect of dealing with high levels of stress. And since most people are spending more time indoors and on the couch, lack of movement encourages feelings of tiredness.
- Weight gain: In that same vein, many people have also packed on a couple of pounds. This makes sense given that most states have closed gyms and have limited certain activities that encourage athleticism (think recreational sports leagues). Combined with eating comfort food to ease your stress, it is only natural that people have gained some weight.
- Mental health issues: Stress is one thing, but some people have experienced higher levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues since quarantine measures began. Those who already have diagnosed mental health issues are also experiencing fluctuations in their chronic illness.
Have you experienced any of these issues? You’re definitely not alone. The quarantine has taken a lot out of us but working toward bettering your health is a great first step to reversing the stress you might be feeling.
Here are some of the best ways you can maintain your health and get it back on track this year.
Get active
Studies have shown that becoming more active can have both physical and mental health benefits. While it won’t cure your stress, regular exercise can release endorphins designed to boost your mood. When you invest in a habitual workout routine, you might even find out that your overall stress levels are lessened over time. Medical weight loss programs herald activity and diet as two of the most important factors in losing and maintaining your weight over time.
Unfortunately, it can be hard to get active in quarantine. Even going on a jog or walk can be stressful because you might encounter strangers on your journey. While gyms are closed and social distancing is key, working out in your home is one of the best options to consider.
You can start working out in your home in an open space. This might be in your backyard or your living room with the furniture pushed to the sides. Here, you can perform basic workouts that use your own body weight against you. Planks are a great way to strengthen your core while yoga can help improve your flexibility. If you have the proper equipment, you can also lift weights or invest in resistance training. But if you don’t have the means to shell out for expensive equipment, you can always fill bags with soup cans to strengthen your arms and add weight to your squats.
You can also try to distance yourself from strangers and your home. Going on a socially distant hike or taking your boat onto the water can give you the mental health benefits of being outside and the physical benefits of doing something active. If you’ve been contemplating buying a boat, now might be the perfect time to ring your boat dealer and make that purchase.
You can also invest in projects around your home that involves physical activity. Gardening has been on the rise during the quarantine. Investing in beautiful flowers, loamy soils, and hardy trees can make your home look better and get your body moving. Just be sure to call on your local tree service company for the best tree pruning methods. After all, you’ll need to ensure that your garden is well cared for. If you have the extra funds, now is a good time to invest in a mower package that better accommodates the needs of your lawn. If you’ve been eyeing that riding lawn mower, there’s no harm in making that purchase so long as it works with your financial plan.
Engaging in regular physical activity is essential when you’re trying to better maintain your health. Quarantine or not, getting up and getting active will help you feel better in the long run.
Clean up your home
Cleaning is another great way to improve your health. Even light cleaning, like vacuuming and washing dishes can work up a sweat. Don’t hesitate to give your bathroom a good scrub-down. Not only will you engage in a moderate workout, but you’ll feel accomplished when your home looks good as new!
Cleaning your home will also help your health in other ways. When was the last time you cleaned your air conditioner? Air conditioning systems and HVAC units need to be cleaned at least twice a year to stop dust and pollen from being swirled around your home. You’ll notice that your A/C runs more efficiently with regular cleaning and maintenance. And when your machine runs well, you’ll save money on bills. This positive feedback loop just starts with a little elbow grease.
Start small and do your research before investing in larger projects. Many people in quarantine have started working on home projects to transform their home into something more their style. Unfortunately, a lack of carpentry skills can lead to some serious accidents. Read online advice, watch tutorials, and become acquainted with tools before you use them. It might seem easy to use that belt sander in theory, but it actually moves much faster than you would think. Personal injury law doesn’t account for accidents you make on your own volition. Be safe, read the manuals, and be sure to rely on contracting professionals before you install a DIY roof.
You might also feel inspired to make a few changes around the home. Industrial painters are known for transforming boring commercial places into works of art. While you don’t need an army of 10 people to paint the walls of your home, investing in a change can help you enjoy your space more. We all need a little change when we’re stuck staring at the same blank walls throughout the quarantine.
Eat yummy, healthy food
Healthy food doesn’t have to taste bad. Experimenting with different food pairings, adding new seasonings, and trying new, healthy dishes can help you get the vitamins and minerals your body needs. At the end of the day, broccoli is rarely going to taste better than a creamy bowl of mac and cheese. However, putting that broccoli into your mac and cheese is a simple way to introduce more healthy foods into your diet.
Eating healthily is one of the best ways to improve your mental and physical wellbeing. Not only will it lower your BMI, but you will also feel more energized and strong when you’re eating the right food. Vital nutrients and vitamins are key to maintaining our bodily systems and overall health as you age. But since many people have been indulging in unhealthy food throughout quarantine, changing your eating habits is essential to getting your diet back on track.
The first thing you can do is eat less. For many, portion sizing has gone out the window and we’re ready to eat an entire bowl of chips and guac. If you find that you’ve been overeating, the best way to eat less is by investing in smaller plates. The food on your plate will naturally fill it up more, tricking your brain into thinking you’re actually eating more. This doesn’t always work, but it’s a good first step to getting your diet back to where it should be.
Try going online if you’re tapped out for inspiration. There are plenty of healthy food blogs, YouTube channels, and tutorial sites dedicated to helping you lead a healthier, happier life. It makes sense that you might not feel all that creative during quarantine. After all, we’re experiencing a global pandemic. But trying something new can break you out of an unhealthy routine and open the door for new healthy practices that better maintain your health in the long term.
Practice mindfulness
During this stressful period of social isolation, many people feel disassociated with their day-to-day lives. It simultaneously feels like March was just yesterday and a million years ago. During this period of wonky time changes, being mindful will help you feel grounded and present in the moment.
Practicing mindfulness means slowing down and appreciating the world around you. This is why, in part, it’s recommended to spend time outdoors. The natural environment engages all of our senses, making it easy to enjoy the present.
But you can also practice mindfulness in the home. Focusing on the things you can control, along with staying present in the moment, can make a huge difference when it comes to easing anxiety. Many people are able to dip their toes into mindfulness by practicing gratitude. Each day, try writing three things that you’re thankful for. It could be as simple as a cute dog that passed your house. As long as you’re periodically coming up with new things that you’re thankful for, your mind will begin to associate good feelings more consistently.
That isn’t to say that thinking about nice stuff will change your health in the long run. But making it a habit and trying to root yourself in these good feelings can actually make a difference. If you’re not seeing any benefits, try practicing mindfulness in a different way. You can say what you’re grateful for out loud or try guided meditation for the first time. You will be surprised at how rested and relaxed you are after engaging in these healthy habits to maintain your health.
Actually make your health appointments
More businesses have started opening up, especially when it comes to elective surgeries. If you had thought about investing in plastic surgery before the quarantine began, now might be the ideal time to start planning again.
Call your doctor and set up that appointment, whether it be online or in person (if it’s in person, just be sure to wear a mask!). Just be sure to actually make it to the appointment on time. Many people are itching to achieve top spots and missing an appointment wastes your time and the time of the medical professional treating you.
Big-name appointments are good to start planning, but you should also think about your basic health appointments. After all, you have to visit the orthodontist to get your adult braces tightened every few weeks to ensure the health of your teeth and jaw. If you miss those appointments, your health could really struggle.
It might be difficult to make time for things or even drum up the effort to leave the house. But appointments are key to bettering your health. When you want to maintain your health better, ensure that you’re making it to your appointments on time and prepared for anything.
Maintain your health
It has seemed impossible to maintain your health throughout quarantine. We’ve watched our family members and loved ones grieve over COVID-19 losses at the funeral home. We’ve struggled to socialize in the midst of isolation. We’ve even joined Tik Tok at an age that’s deemed far too old. If you want to better maintain your health this year, rely on these tips to get back on track.