We've been too overwhelmed by all the habit lists out there to even consider reading another healthy habit post, hehe. This is just another post to remind you to stay healthy during the pandemic!
Sure, we need to make adjustments to our physical and mental health, especially in light of the global pandemic, but I don't believe we need an entire routine to make a visible positive change in the way we live our lives. Little by little, we can actually see the difference as time goes on. I've included an approach for you to stick with each of the easy-to-follow habits listed below. If you have any other ideas, just share.
Drink "morning" water
Some people may find it difficult to drink water first thing in the morning. I know it's sometimes because they simply forget about it because they're usually doing something else when they wake up. Make sure to drink water as this is one of the easiest times to increase your fluid intake. This is something I've been doing for about three years. (Woww, that's a long time to realize).
Staying hydrated is critical for our health. Water makes up 60% of our bodies, so not drinking enough can cause more than just dehydration. Dehydration has been linked to weariness, headaches, and increased food desires. (which frequently results in binge-eating)
Wake Up Early
Okay, you don't have to rise and shine with the sun every morning, but getting up early is crucial for better health. We are all aware that our bodies have a circadian rhythm. When you wake up at the same time as the sunrise, you are in the most natural state. To be clear, the sun-light has the ability to wake you up "on time," that is, at 5 or 6 a.m. Those who don't have a choice and are frequently required to work into the night may find that sleeping in until noon helps their bodies recuperate as well, but if you do have time for early mornings, it will be the most spiritual morning "service" you can render yourself.
Allow for more movement.
I recently read a book that claims that we humans were all created to move. We all have a desire to move more to pursue our aspirations and achieve our objectives. As a result, activities are critical in the development of a healthy and strong body. However, a lot of us spend our days seated in front of a computer for business, a television for entertainment, and an iPad for music. We've all decided to sit all day long. We spend so much time sitting to the point that we mistakenly believe we are leading a balanced life filled with diverse tasks.
We are no longer engaged in as much manual labor and sweat profusely as before when we hung out on our bikes or on our feet, cooked rice over hot coals because we didn't have access to an electronic cooker or a gas burner to quickly heat things up.
Now that our lives have vastly improved, everyone has to make an effort to move more in our limited time budget.
A 30 to 60 minute morning workout would be ideal for recharging my batteries for a long day ahead. It is beneficial both to your body and mind. No matter how hard you work out, your physique strength will improve with time. Whether you prefer bicycling, swimming, or jogging, be sure you enjoy it.
Take a Walk
I'm aware that this is a common omission. Not many people like taking a walk because it is intended to be a slow activity while people are frequently pressed for time.
Well, walking can help to learn to BE THERE IN THE PRESENT. You can truly appreciate the slow walk by each step and love every second of it.
Walking is also sometimes disregarded due to its simplicity or the fact that it "doesn't burn too many calories." When I initially started walking, I believed the same thing, and I would often try to run my heart out. Of course, I strive to burn as much fat as possible, so I frequently forego walking in favor of more strenuous cardio workouts.
A walk, on the other hand, can be the ideal choice for both your physical and mental health if you don't need to lose weight quickly or build muscles. Get outside and take a walk. During these difficult times, a walk around your yard or balcony might be ideal.
Get some fresh air outside
The body can make more vitamin D if it gets enough exposure to the sun on a regular basis. I know it's not simple, especially while the Covid19 lock-down is still in effect. My balcony is where I get my first breath of fresh, pure air and first sun rays in the morning.
but hey! To receive the benefit of feeling fresh, you must get up as early as 5 or 6 a.m. Otherwise, getting up at 7am or 8am could be super nice for the sun's warm welcome as well.
Now that things aren't so bad in Hue, Vietnam, my friend and I sometimes go to a pagoda for some fresh air and greenery. I have my own meditation zone there. So grateful because she always spends time with me.
Set aside time to prepare meals
I can honestly say that learning to cook was the best decision I've ever made. When it came to cooking, I was a spoiler. My mother is a fantastic family chef who not only taught me how to cook but also encouraged me to try new things. Cooking is a basic skill despite it is typically regarded of as a tedious "house chore duty."
Cooking not only helps to manage the quality of the food you consume, but it also serves to foster family bonds as people gather around for a meal you've lovingly prepared.
I realize that the ordered dishes are excellent, but owing to the excessive use of oil and extra condiments, the majority of them are harmful. While certain meals look to be nutritious and appealing, they do not give nearly as many benefits as your home-cooked ones.
Eat a rainbow
Yes, it's fine if you don't want to cook. Simply eat different colorful raw food every now and again during the day. Start with a green salad with yellow pineapple and cherry tomatoes for supper. Easy to make and delicious to eat! Colorful fruits and vegetables will undoubtedly provide you with general protection from a variety of different issues.
Instead of concentrating on what not to eat, let's focus on "the rainbow" and consume more of it.
Take your time when eating.
When it's time to eat, take your time. I want to make sure you're not mechanically eating because you're hungry, but eating slowly promotes digestion and gives you a better sense of how the meal tastes. I used to be a fast eater who just had 2 minutes for dinner before racing off to work. That habit not only caused more harm than good, but it also provided more food to my stomach than I could imagine.
I used to gulp everything and ate an entire bowl of Ph in under two minutes, leaving me unsatisfied (And ended up eating more later).Then, thanks to one of my friends who always takes life with a slower pace, I learnt to chew carefully and enjoy the flavor. Hehe. I am still trying to pick up a lot of interesting things from her.
Put away Your Phone
What keeps you engaged when you're stuck at home during Covid19? Isn't fiddling with your phone the most typical response? Because you don't have to WFH, the phone is almost your sole source of entertainment. However, spending the entire day linked to a social media platform is not pleasant. It has a variety of harmful consequences for our brains.
Whatever happens, I usually put my phone on airplane mode and put it away after 10h30. I've been doing this for two years with few exceptions. And this allows me to reclaim my energized mental state in preparation for the next brand new day. Besides, I've quit checking the internet first thing in the morning since I don't want to begin my day with work or bad news. Spending less time on the phone means having more fun in real life.
Go to bed on time
Last but not least, turn off your phone and get some early night's rest.
Turn off all electronic gadgets, dim the lights, make a cup of hot tea, and read a book. There shouldn't be anymore disturbing news before night. What could you do if you knew the Covid number is growing every day? Nothing, isn't it? Simply lead a healthier happier life, and the virus will choose to ignore you. LOL.
People who are compelled to work late must compensate in some other way. If you can't go to bed early, make sure you have a fixed curfew that you find suitable for your bedtime over a long period of time. (Make sure you build your own circadian rhythm)
The final thought
Developing a healthy lifestyle does not necessitate a complete 180-degree turn. Simply make a few little adjustments over time. That is all there to it.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Wish you the best of luck throughout the pandemic; all will be fine if you and your family are fine. Stay healthy, stay inspired, and be inspiring!