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Ways to Stay Mentally and Physically Healthy While at Home Due to COVID-19
Whether you're now working from home or you're on the front lines helping to keep everyone healthy and safe, most of us are finding ourselves in uncharted territory.
Maybe you're taking this opportunity to pause and reset. Maybe you're feeling anxious about all that's going on in the world. No matter what, know that your feelings are valid and that we're right there with you.
If you'll be staying inside for the next few days or weeks, we're here to help you find calm in the chaos.
Practice Self Care
You’ve heard it before, but self care is of utmost importance now. Sleeping well, eating right, taking mental breaks, and exercising regularly can help you combat stress and stay healthy.
Whether you’re still working or have some time off, stick to your regular schedule. That means going to bed at the same time as you normally would and waking up with your alarm clock. This helps you maintain some semblance of a routine.
Speaking of a routine, add some exercise to it! Physical activity isn’t only good for your body, but it’s good for your mind and soul. But with gyms, sport facilities, and studios closed, you might feel cut off from your normal routine. Well, you’re in luck — many businesses are offering free livestreams and videos of home workouts:
- Club Pilates: Members and nonmembers can partake in regular Facebook Live classes. You can also go back and watch previously recorded workouts.
- Planet Fitness: Head over to their Facebook for “Work-Ins” at 7pm EST each day — each video is uploaded to YouTube as well.
- Peloton: For the next 90 days, new users can use the app for free. Even if you don’t have the treadmill or bike, the app offers meditation, yoga, stretching, bodyweight cardio, and strength training exercises.
- Be Hot Yoga Atlanta: Join in on live classes or watch previous recordings on their YouTube channel. If you want to be alerted when new classes start, don’t forget to subscribe!
Lastly, consider starting a journal or taking up a calming activity — Amazon has plenty of adult coloring books that can be delivered straight to your door. Throughout the day, just remember to pause and take a few deep breaths.
Stay Connected
Though everyone is practicing social distancing, that doesn’t mean you need to be totally in solitude. Virtually connect with friends and family with these creative ideas:
- Have a Netflix Party. Netflix Party is a new way to watch your favorite shows and movies with friends online as it synchronizes video playback and adds a group chat to what you’re watching.
- Have a virtual game night. Whether you want to play a game of cards or do an in-home paint night, the sky’s the limit!
- Host a book club. With so much time on your hands, why not pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read? If you’ve never attended a book club before, Penguin Random House offers some good tips for getting started.
Although staying home may be new to you, keep in mind that this too shall pass. Remember to have some fun and don’t overexpose yourself to too much information (or misinformation) about the pandemic. We’ll do all that we can to keep you informed while also sharing ways you can pass time at home and care for your physical and mental wellbeing!