After a year of the Covid19 pandemic, one thing has become evident that life will never be the same as it used to be before the pandemic.  We must quickly learn to adjust to the new normal that has induced several behavioral changes to ensure healthy living by resisting the lure of self-gratification like eating at will that can damage health.

Prolonged home confinement can seem like punishment as it grossly affects our known daily routine, and people are trying to carve out new routines that can make living meaningful once again. A sudden drop in the level of physical activities coupled with excess free time is posing new challenges. It tends to push people towards a sedentary lifestyle, observes Sarahbeth Hartlage.

The biggest challenge is to maintain a physically active lifestyle amid the restrictions so that it can take care of our mental health, too, as we spend more time indoors. Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle by practicing proper hygiene to stay protected from the novel coronavirus will become clear ongoing through this article.

Sarahbeth Hartlage advises maintaining your movements

 Staying at home can limit the opportunities for physical activities, but you can always find alternatives to the traditional ways of staying active and fit. Think about doing your daily exercises in the simplest ways for maintaining the desired level of physical activities without depending on elaborate resources and equipment. Not going to the gym cannot be an excuse for not doing your exercises at home. Aerobics and Yoga are most prevalent during the pandemic as it keeps your body and mind refreshed and relieves stress. Never lose any opportunity to walk briskly, indoor or outdoor, and do some other calisthenics that use your body’s strength to engage in physical movements.

Be careful about what you eat

The stress developed due to prolonged homestay might drive people towards binge eating, damaging health. Resist food cravings and stick to a healthy diet plan well balanced with nutrients and fluids. It maintains the body’s metabolism that helps boost immunity, and prevent disease severity even if you fall sick. The body needs fibers, minerals, and vitamins in large quantities, and to ensure its proper supply eats a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables and plenty of fluids that keep the body hydrated. Avoid processed snacks and fast foods and include wholesome foods in your diet that supply the nutrients necessary to keep you healthy.

Manage stress and sleep well

Besides the feeling of boredom from prolonged home confinement, the bombardment of news and information from numerous channels multiplies mental stress and agony. Limit your exposure to information to avoid stress buildup and practice some mind relaxation techniques like deep breathing while preparing to go to bed. Take adequate rest during the day and have a good sleep at night for 7-8 hours to allow the body to recover from stress and strengthen the immune system.

Good sleep leads to mental poise that is essential for staying healthy and improve our wellness.