How to Stay Healthy at Home

30 March 2020      

Here are some tips for staying healthy while at home:

Keep your workouts going virtually. With Massachusetts mandating closures of public facilities, including gyms, those who have committed to a fitness routine are finding themselves in a bind. Fortunately, there are plenty of exercises that can be done at home with little or no equipment, such as:

• Taking a long walk around the neighborhood
• Watching a yoga video on YouTube
• Performing bodyweight exercises, such as push-ups, pull-ups, wall squats and sit-ups
• Utilizing paid apps that offer flexible livestreamed or rerecorded programs for people at every fitness level

Try to stick to a meal schedule. If you have stocked up the kitchen in preparation of being quarantined, you or your family member may be finding it difficult to follow a regimented meal plan and feel inclined to reach into the cabinets for extra snacks throughout the day. Meal preparation and designated meal times will help to:

• Regulate consumption and prevent overindulgence
• Ensure a well-balanced diet
• Avoid the temptation of ordering take-out foods that can be highly processed or packed with more saturated or trans fats

Take care of your mental health. While it’s important to stay abreast of the latest information regarding COVID-19, it’s easy to become wrapped up in the information about the pandemic, increasing stress and anxiety levels. Stress-reducing strategies include:

• Giving yourself breaks from the news and social media
• Getting plenty of sleep
• Practicing meditation
• Engaging in video chat with friends and family

Stay hydrated. Adequate water and fluid intake helps to keep your body strong and have the ability to fight off viruses and infection, but inevitable home distractions may get in the way of ensuring you’re drinking enough water. Follow hydration techniques such as:

• Tracking fluid intake through various apps that are available
• Drinking a glass of water before every meal
• Adding natural flavor to water through fruit infusion
• Utilizing a large reusable water bottle
• Replacing other drinks like soda or coffee with water or seltzer

Stay healthy and well. We'll see you soon at Answer is Fitness in Foxboro, MA!

hackensackmeridianhealth.org