Healthy Tips During Quarantine

During this time of uncertainty and social isolation, it is easy to fall off the bandwagon both mentally and physically and this reaction is perfectly natural. Humans are social animals and often feel the need to be out and about. However, these tips are sure to help get you back onto your feet and into a healthy cycle. 

1. Wake up early: Waking up early has numerous benefits, including enhancing concentration and giving you the time to properly adjust to the day. Also, waking up early can help enhance productivity, as the human brain tends to be more alert in the morning. In addition, it allows you to work free of interruptions. Set your alarm for 7:30 tomorrow and experience the benefits of being an early riser. If 7:30 is too early, try waking up 30 minutes earlier than you normally would. 
2. Schedule your days: At the onset of the outbreak, I felt that my days passed aimlessly. I missed the structure and direction that school provided. So, I started to create my own schedules based on the ones I had at school. I used the calendar app on my MacBook to map out my class times and tried to keep myself busy until 3:15, which is  when my school would normally end. Ultimately, scheduling out my days helped give them purpose and was a way to keep me occupied throughout the day. 
3. Have your water bottle handy: I keep my Klean Kanteen water bottle with me throughout the day. It helps keep me in a healthy mindset. Dress up your drink by adding a squeeze of lemon and a few mint leaves. ABSOLUTELY DELECTABLE!! The benefits of lemon water are numerous--it acts as a source of vitamin C and can aid in digestion. 
4. Be reflective: We are living in unprecedented times. It is important to be introspective and take time out of your day to acknowledge how you are feeling. For me, being introspective means taking a few minutes each day to write in my journal. This small act can help relieve some of my stress and help me rationalize what the heck is going on in my life. 
5. Get movin’: Start small and try taking 10 minutes out of your day to break a sweat. It could be biking in your neighborhood or taking your dogs for a walk. While the physical benefits of exercise are clear, perhaps more important are the effects it can have on your mood. Physical activity can help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety and boost self-esteem and brainpower.  

We don’t have control of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we do have control over how we approach it. These tips can help you conquer your environment and ensure that you are prepared, both physically and mentally, for whatever comes your way.