Maintaining Healthy Routines in Quarantine

In these unusual times it can be difficult to maintain our regular healthy routines.  Our daily lives have been disrupted and now home is also the gym and work and our favorite coffee shop. We are accustomed to our homes being places of rest and rejuvenation and they now must also be places of productivity. If you find that you are struggling to achieve your mental and physical goals during this time, here are some tips to help you schedule your day and create new routines to benefit your health.

Sleeping

Try to go to sleep and wake up at the times you normally would. It may seem easy to go to bed a little later, but a couple of hours difference can throw off your schedule significantly. Not getting enough sleep or sleeping too late into the day can throw off your body’s circadian rhythm. If you end up not getting enough sleep, a short nap can help you feel more rested and energized. However, napping for too long or too often can detract from your nighttime sleep. Shoot for around 20 minutes. If you don’t normally sleep enough and find yourself relying on caffeine to get through the day, this could be a great opportunity to adopt a healthier sleep schedule. The average adult needs 7-8 hours of sleep to function well and promote health, especially during times of stress. Be mindful of your body’s needs and sleep your way to better health.

Eating

With increased time at home, bad eating habits can arise. It is easy to snack throughout the day when there is full access to food in the next room. Eating full meals at planned times can help you establish boundaries that will prevent excessive snacking, and ensure you are staying well nourished. It is also a great opportunity to try new recipes that may have taken too long to prepare under normal circumstances. Spending more time at home does not mean we have to stop trying new things and being creative. Along with eating, it is important to continue to hydrate as you normally would. Keeping a water bottle by your side is a good reminder to drink throughout the day.

Scheduling Activities

Scheduling out specific activities day to day can be helpful while spending so much time in your home. Make a list of tasks and goals you would like to accomplish throughout the week to help prevent boredom and the feeling that you’ve wasted time. A list is a great tool to remind you of your goals when you don’t know what to do next. It can also help steer you away from excessive screen time. Each day pick a few things from your list to get done and alternate productive tasks with enjoyable activities or hobbies. To switch up your daily schedule or to take a break from indoor tasks, track the weather and make plans for outdoor activities on the most appropriate days. The increased time at home is a perfect opportunity to continue or try new hobbies. Exercise, reading, crafting, and cooking are just a few examples of activities that can be taken up in the home.

The important thing during this time is to maintain your mental and physical health. Do not overwhelm yourself with unrealistic tasks or expectations but try to keep your mind and body engaged each day.

Stay safe and healthy so you can hop right back into your normal routine when quarantine is over!

Blog post by David Reme.