We get it. Staying at home and subjecting yourself or routine to quarantine is tough. Heck with California’s recent Lockdown during the Christmas / Holiday season and resorts, hotels, restaurants and community businesses limited in what they can offer, many of us are going crazy with the suffocating feelings of being trapped. But keeping that healthy outdoor mindset is not only essential it is possible in many of our local areas.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has many great resources for how we can take care of ourselves and our communities.
Here are a few more tips that have helped us maintain a healthy mind, body, and outlook during these difficult times. We hope they give you a boost and inspire you to stay strong.
- Eat healthy, well-balanced meals
- Nutrition is about more than vitamins—it also includes fiber and healthy fats. Now is a perfect time to learn simple ways to help yourself and your whole family eat healthier.
- We have been in covid-pandemic conditions for the better part of 9 month’s now and the excess of alcohol and boredom munching and home can make maintaining a healthy lifestyle challenging.
- Local’s tip: Support local businesses when you can.
- Develop a healthy menu weekly or monthly and instead of panic buying, purchase fresh ingredients for your diet as much as possible.
- Get plenty of sleep
- Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends
- Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature
- Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smart phones, from your bedroom
- Stay active & Recreate Responsibly
- If you need to stay inside, try yoga to give your body movement and a good stretch or utilize online- or app-based workout programs you can do at home.Â
- If you can safely socially distance outside, go for a walk or bike ride. Something as simple as just sitting outside in the sun will do wonders for your mood and mental health.Â
- Local’s tip: Recreate responsibly and close to home. Local trails are a great way to get outdoors for short day hike or bike opportunities. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the local weather.
- Make time to unwind
- If you’re working from home, it can be difficult to separate work time from personal time. Setting personal boundaries for yourself will help you separate from work and relax. Set a time to get off work and go to work daily. Include your traditional lunch breaks and stick to schedule.
- Set a time to be completely device-free and relax by reading a book, meditating, or going for a walk.
- Local’s Tip: Prioritize your wellbeing Take a 20 minute walk every four hours. Add Yoga or stretching to your daily routine.
- Connect with others
- Now is a great time to re-connect with those whom you may not talk to as frequently as you’d like. This could be as simple a phone call or leveraging technology for virtual happy hours and game nights. Fun Zoom background are a bonus! Plus, reaching out to others for social connection not only has personal benefits but can help you brighten someone else’s day, too!
- Talk to a professional
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental health issues and/or substance use disorders. SAMHSA’s number is 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
- Maintain a routine
- Routine helps train your brain into having some sort of control during this seemingly out of control time, which in turn can help reduce anxiety.Â
- Local’s Tip: Take a drive into the Mountains, Do a roadside visit in Lake Tahoe or Stop in Hope Valley for a snowy walk along the river.
- Set boundaries for your news consumption
- Having the pandemic as the main news story each day keeps it front of mind to readers and viewers. Every once in a while, change the channel, browse a different website or skip picking up the newspaper one day. Your mind will appreciate the break.
- Stay present
- Life can seem overwhelming if we let ourselves think too far ahead. Take each day as it comes at you. See #3-5 for ideas to keep yourself focused on today.
- Be accountable
- Sure, all of these ideas are great, but we all know it’s easy to make a plan and a bit harder to stick to it. Set goals for yourself and share those with a friend or family member so they can hold you accountable.