How to Stay Healthy and Fit During Social Distancing

During the COVID-19 crisis, it’s critical to check in with yourself while you’re practicing social distancing. While staying home doesn’t have to mean complete social isolation, many of our friends and community members are struggling to find a new sense of “normal” in this time of social distancing.

The F3 team is here to help you stay healthy and fit while staying home. The tips below come from a team of certified wellness instructors with your health and well-being at heart.

We’re available by phone and video chat for virtual consultations, check-ins, and classes. Email glenn@f3wellnessconnections.com to learn more about our online offerings. Together, we’ll make it through this time of social distancing!

Here are ten ways to stay healthy and fit while social distancing:

1. Focus on your nutrition.

It can be easy to fall into a habit of takeout food and junk when your whole routine has been disrupted. However, nutrition is more important than ever: boredom and stress eating contribute to unhealthy weight gain, lower moods, and poor sleep habits.

Before you hit the grocery store, make a plan of attack. Many people are stocking up on grains and canned goods right now, when fresh fruits and veggies are still in high supply. Stock up on fruits and vegetables that can be cut up and stored in your freezer. Hardy veggies like broccoli and cauliflower can be defrosted and cooked for months!

2. Stay fit.

Home workouts are an easy and efficient way to stay physically active. Many of our favorite F3 fitness sessions, like kettlebell and high intensity interval training, can be completed at home with limited or no equipment.

(P.S. If you’re stuck, sign up for one of our virtual fitness classes. We’re available for online yoga, kettlebell, HIIT, and personal training sessions, as well as wellness classes like nutrition and guided meditation. We’re here for you!)

3. Keep stress at bay.

Stress is one of the leading contributors to poor mental and physical health. In taxing times like these, pay extra attention to the signals your body sends you. Take up calming habits like yoga and meditation. Many studios (like ours!) offer virtual or pre-recorded lessons you can practice at home on your own time.

If you’re working from home, stick to your regular routine as closely as you can. Wake up early, shower, and change your clothes (even if you’re just going from “sleep PJs” to “work PJs”). This will help your brain get into “work mode” and reduce the stress associated with changes to your routine.

4. Get enough high-quality sleep.

Sleep is critical to staying healthy! Practice good sleep hygiene by turning off electronic devices at least an hour before bed. If you’re working from home, try not to do work from your bed. Reserving your sleeping area for, well, sleeping teaches your brain to associate “bed” with “bedtime.” It’s an easy way to help yourself fall asleep faster!

Also, afternoon naps can be a great reward for a hard morning’s work, but be careful not to mess up your sleep schedule. Try to nap in segments of 45 or 90 minutes (the time in a natural sleep cycle) to avoid waking up cranky and confused about what century you’re in.

5. Keep it clean!

Cleanliness is important for staying healthy, but it also directly contributes to mood boosts. When you’re spending a lot more time at home, the upkeep of that home matters more.

Each day, take fifteen minutes to throw away trash, wipe down your counters, put away clutter, and otherwise clean up the parts of your home you spend the most time in. When you can, open the windows and let in some fresh air and natural light: both are immediate mood boosters!

6. Spend time with pets.

Whether it’s a game of tug of war or a five-minute dance party, spending time with pets reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while easing feelings of loneliness. Playing with your pet elevates the levels of dopamine and serotonin in your blood, two chemicals directly related to feeling happy and relaxed.

Even in cities with “shelter in place” or “stay at home” orders, you can still take your pet for a walk while practicing social distancing safely and legally. If you choose to take a walk to the park, just be sure to stay at least six feet away from other people and their furry family members. That means skipping the dog park and puppy play dates, but you can still get some exercise and much-needed sunshine together!

7. Stay connected with friends and family.

Social distancing DOES NOT have to mean social isolation! Check in with friends, family members, and neighbors via text, phone, and video chat. If you’re looking for a fun social activity, host a virtual board game night or watch party through online games like Jackbox and streaming services like Netflix Party.

Be sure to check in on any neighbors or family members you have who are high risk, like the elderly or immuno-compromised. It can be tough for some people to get to grocery stores and pharmacies while safely social distancing, so a kind word or check-in can go a long way.

8. Get outdoors when you can.

Sunshine is critical for our bodies to produce Vitamin D, an essential nutrient that’s linked to thinks like mental health and skin quality. If your home has an outdoor area, like a deck, patio, or backyard, try to spend a few minutes out there every day to soak in some sunshine and fresh air. If your home doesn’t have a space like this, open the windows and let in as much light as possible.

Many parks and hiking areas are still open to the public, so long as people play it safe and practice the rules of social distancing. A few minutes’ walk in fresh air can do amazing things for your health and mood! Above all, make sure you’re following rules and ordinances laid out by your local government.

9. Make a difference in someone else’s life.

One surefire way to put a smile on your face? Put a smile on someone else’s.

Many of our favorite small businesses are the ones getting hit hardest by the economic impact of coronavirus. Whenever you can, shop small and support your favorite restaurants, coffee shops, and retailers. Order online, arrange a curbside pickup, or donate to funds that support employees of your favorite concert venues and performing arts centers.

It’s also a good time to volunteer your time. If you have friends or family members who cannot safely go to the grocery store, offer to shop for them and pick up prescriptions so they can stay safely home. (If you choose to donate your time, be sure to practice safe social distancing, wash your hands, and disinfect any items other people come in contact with before you give them to immuno-compromised friends and family.)

10. Follow the CDC’s recommendations for cleanliness and safety.

The CDC is the most important resource to listen to in times like these. According to CDC recommendations, make sure to wash your hands, sneeze/cough into your elbow, and maintain at least six feet of distance between you and other people while you’re out and about. Social distancing means giving up our favorite brunch spots and movie nights for the time being, but it’s critical to helping slow the the spread of this virus.

Together, we can make social distancing a success. At F3 Wellness Connections, we’re here to help our community stay strong, healthy, and connected in every way we can. We can help you stay physically and mentally fit with fully remote, virtual consultations: private and group fitness classes, nutrition sessions, yoga sessions, and meditation classes.

Glenn SethMarch 29, 2020Comment