Stay Healthy and Happy

Right now many of us have schedules that look different than normal. We’re trying to create new routines for ourselves and our families. We are trying to maintain the same eating habits when access to groceries has shifted. We are trying to continue exercising when our gyms are closed. It’s important to put a priority on both our health AND our happiness in a time where our lives look vastly different. Here are a few easy tips that you can fit into your life to help you and your family stay healthy and happy.

Focus on providing your body with the nutrients it needs for overall good health. Plan well balanced meals and snacks to ensure you are giving yourself the vitamins and minerals your body needs. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, nuts/seeds, beans/legumes, water, etc. Even more important? Don’t get down on yourself for allowing yourself a few extra treats! In a time that can feel very overwhelming it’s important to find a balance that works.
Practice social distancing but don’t isolate yourself. Stay connected to friends and family using Facetime, Zoom or other social media platforms. Research shows that relationships with others is one of the key components to happiness and we live in a time when almost everyone has access to some form of alternative communication.

Find ways to stay physically active. Hop on any of the Hancock Wellness Center Facebook pages for live and recorded videos of different classes. Use your body weight to do other exercises at home (i.e. jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, squats, etc.). There are lots of exercise plans online to take advantage of.

Breathe. Deep breathing can help lower stress as it sends your brain a message to calm down and relax. There are lots of different breathing exercises that can be found online.

Spend time doing things that bring you joy. Put aside the negative and think of the things that you can do since you are stuck at home. Work on a puzzle, play a game with your kids, start a new hobby, make a craft, clean the house, go through your closet, bake or make a new recipe, paint your walls a new color, etc. Use this time to do something that you have been wanting to do but haven’t had the time to do.