In times like these, it can be hard to prioritize health and wellness. What does healthy living mean in a pandemic? Can you still lead a healthy lifestyle in such an uncertain time? The answer: absolutely! By focusing on three key factors, health and wellness are not only attainable but can be achieved in your own home.
- Sleep – Arguably one of the most important times of the day is bedtime. Getting at least seven to ten hours of sleep (depending on your age) will make your waking hours happier and more productive. Resting and/or napping when you need to is also important so that you don’t get burned out throughout the day and lose the ability to function at your best.
- Exercise – Whether it’s lifting weights or going on a walk, exercise is an important part of general wellness. At least 30 minutes of exercise every day is ideal (either cardio or strength training), but if that’s not possible, even 10 or 20 minutes is better than nothing!
- Diet – A healthy diet isn’t all about green juice and broccoli. Eating well consists of balance – protein, vegetables, fruits, grains, even your favorite sweet treat or salty snack once in a while! Another vital part of a good diet is drinking water. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water each day (if this seems difficult, keep a water bottle or cup in your bedroom and/or workspace, this will remind you to drink more).
These three elements are some of the biggest factors to general health and wellness. The practices are all intertwined – if you get enough sleep, you will have more energy to exercise. If you exercise, you will be more motivated to eat well, and if you eat well and exercise well, you will get better and deeper sleep, and feel rejuvenated in the mornings. Aside from staying physically healthy, these wellness tips will also have a big impact on your mental state. A wellness-based lifestyle will boost your mood and improve your performance in all areas of life, leading to a happier, healthier you.
Reference:
DiMarco, Tierney. “7 Tips to Maintain Mental and Physical Health.” Group Health Insurance, 17 Jan. 2017, 9:00 a.m., www.healthcareproviders.ca/blog/7-tips-to-maintain-mental-and-physical-health.