The pandemic has caused many of us to stay indoors for more than a year now. During this long period of being stuck at home, the daily routines we once had, like jogging in the morning or going to the gym, have been hard to continue. If we are not sitting and working in front of our computers, we are slouched cozily on our bed watching our favorite Netflix series. Though there’s nothing wrong with that, we need to pay attention to our health and wellness more than ever. Asking ‘how’? Don’t worry; we got you covered.
Exercise
You might be thinking that it’s quite impossible to follow through on your normal gym routine because you do not have the proper equipment at home. However, many exercises don’t require gym equipment. You can begin by doing these five compound exercises that target all the major muscles of your body:
- Squats
- Lunges
- Push-ups
- Pull-ups
- Planking
Fitness comes hand in hand with exercise. It doesn’t just help tone your body and burn fat; it also improves your mental health. Regular exercising helps the level and impact of serotonin in your brain. Increased serotonin, also known as happy hormones, boosts your appetite, sleep cycle, and mood. Maintaining a good serotonin level can help prevent mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety.
Detoxify
Detoxifying is a well-known method that helps your body renew, recharge, and rejuvenate. It acts like a mop that cleanses out all the impurities in your system. One type of detox diet limits the intake of sugary foods and high fats. You will replace them with nutrients coming fruits and vegetables.
The intake of vegetables and fruits in liquid form like freshly squeezed juices allows your body to absorb the nutrients faster. Some pantry staples that you can use for detox are:
- Carrots – aside from being a good source of beta carotene, carrots are also rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin K. Studies also show that they can help lower down cholesterol levels.
- Kale – kale has very low calories. It has packed with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants that are good for autoimmune diseases and arthritis
- Cucumber – cucumber is made from 95% water that’s why it’s good for detoxifying the kidney and liver
- Spinach – contains anti-cancerous properties
- Lemon – high in vitamin C and improves the taste of leafy vegetables
- Celery – Made mostly of water, celery is a good source of Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber
- Turmeric – has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Ginger – supports the immune system and aids in digestion
Detoxifying is classified as a diet, and it can include fasting. If you are diabetic or other health concerns, it’s best to talk to your doctor before starting the detox.
Clear Your Mind
Many unexpected things have been happening since last year, and many of us are already stressed to the brim and mentally worn out. If you are currently experiencing a mental and emotional overload, you can try meditating as a form of relaxation.
Meditating is a very simple technique that can help you minimize anxiety and stress. It also enhances your cardiovascular health. The basic meditation involves slow, deep breaths while silently repeating a word or mantra. You need to keep your eyes closed for 10 to 20 minutes while sitting down in a place that has the least distraction.
Yoga is also a very effective way of clearing your mind and relaxing your body. It also reduces stress and anxiety. Some of the most effective techniques derived from yoga are stretching, controlled breathing, mental imagery, and slow physical movement.
Pay Attention to Your Environment
Your environment or the physical state of your home also has a significant impact on your overall wellness. Not only does too much clutter make it hard for you to move around and stay organized, but it also causes anxiety and, over time, depression. Take the time to sort out the stuff that you have accumulated for the past year. If you are not comfortable throwing it away, you can either donate or put them in storage.
Redesigning your home can also bring you joy and a sense of fulfillment. A change in interior design can also be a break from the monotony of your everyday life. You can start by moving and changing the position of some furniture and add accents like indoor plants. Aside from the aesthetics, some plants can also help purify the air, which can be good for your health. You will find many indoor plants on the market, and some of them are:
- Snake Plant
- Spider Plant
- Dracaena
- Pothos
- Peace Lily
- Monstera Deliciosa
- ZZ PLant
Having a healthy body is now the focus of many since it stands between us and COVID 19. Though most of our routines have been disrupted, we have to slowly get back on track and think of ways to stay fit and healthy while at home. Now more than ever, health is wealth.
