For those of us who had a fitness and health routine before COVID-19, the social distancing guidelines imposed to combat the pandemic have been a huge wrench in our plans. Being forced to stay in the house all day long, even for our safety, can kill a workout or eating routine. After all, 24hr access to the kitchen is just too tempting for some of us.
If you’ve been a little thrown off by the new normal, you’re not alone. But there are ways to stay healthy and maintain a schedule while you practice social distancing, too. In our latest blog, we discuss some of the ways you can stay physically and mentally fit during the pandemic!
One of the most important steps you can take to stay healthy and happy in your home is to set a sleep schedule. Being at home all day can make it tempting to stay up all night and wake up late, but you definitely don’t want to do that. Irregular sleep may make you groggy, irritable, and mess with your health overall.
When setting your sleep schedule, what you want/need to have accomplished each day, and make your schedule around that.
Sad about your gym being closed? Well, that’s no excuse to not bust a sweat. There are plenty of ways to stay fit in the comfort of your own home, even if you don’t have the equipment that your local gym has.
One great way to get fit is to find an online class or YouTube channel that is fitness-oriented. Often, these classes are quick (less than 30 minutes) and they can be done in a small amount of space. Simply move the coffee table and get moving!
You can also order equipment to use, like a pull-up bar, small weights, resistance bands, and more. These items won’t take up too much space in your home but can help you maintain or even increase your gains.
Social distancing does not mean you can’t go outside. In fact, one of the best things you can do during this time is to get outside. Being outside is absolutely fantastic for your physical and mental health, so you’ll definitely want to get out regularly.
You can use going outside as a form of exercise. A walk, jog, or bike ride are all great ways to break a sweat and reap the benefits of fresh air and sunlight. You could also just pull up a chair and sit outside. You’ll probably feel more focused, energetic, and maybe even more creative as well. Just remember to put on sunscreen if you plan on leaving the house.
If you happen to be working from home, then you may find it difficult to keep a schedule. You may start working as soon as you wake up, and find yourself answering emails late into the night. You definitely don’t want to do that. A healthy balance between work and leisure time is crucial to your mental and even physical health.
To keep from working all day, try to have a set schedule for your working time. Perhaps a standard 9-5 schedule will work, or you can start your day earlier or later. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the schedule that’s right for you.
In addition to scheduling when you’ll be working, you also want to make sure you build in times for breaks. Breaks can give your mind a much-needed rest and truly energize you for the rest of your shift. Try out 10-15 minute breaks every few hours, where you can take a quick walk, talk to someone on the phone, play with pets, and more.
While you’re on a break, you may be tempted to grab a few chips or cookies. Or, if you’re like some of us, you may grab all the chips and cookies on break. While we understand how tempting our sweet and savory snacks are, it’s important that you keep track of your food intake.
For most of us, food simply isn’t at our fingertips when we’re working. Being at home all day, there’s a temptation to eat as we work or just to relieve boredom. But coupled with less exercise, snacking can make you gain weight very fast.
Even during a pandemic, El Paso Men’s Clinic is dedicated to keeping the men and women of El Paso safe and healthy. With video appointments, we can still provide the medical attention that our clients need.
If you’re in need of dedicated medical expertise, El Paso Men’s Clinic is there for you! Simply contact us today to get started!
