Staying Healthy & Happy at Home

It’s definitely not business as usual these days. By now we should have all adopted social distancing and are spending most of our time at home. Here are some suggestions to follow so we can flatten the curve and stay healthy. 

Social Distancing:

Social distancing does not necessarily mean isolation but means maintaining a distance of approximately 6 feet if you must be around others. Technology is your friend. If you crave that visual connection with your friends, family and colleagues try a video call.  While you may need to run out to the supermarket or pharmacy, do so only when necessary and take proper precautions when you do venture out. If you experience any symptoms of illness, for your sake and for the sake of others, just stay home and give your doctor a call.

Keep it Clean:

You probably don’t even realize you’re doing it, but studies have shown that people touch their face about 23 times an hour – that’s 368 times per day. Viruses spread when you touch your own mouth, nose or eyes – so be conscious of this!

Whether it’s hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes or better yet, good old-fashioned soap and water, the best thing you can do is keep your hands clean. This does not mean a quick swipe and done. It means at least 20 seconds with hot soapy water paying careful attention to your fingertips, under your nails and in-between your fingers. You have heard it before – sing Happy Birthday to yourself (or out loud ) at least two times while scrubbing.

Sanitize Your Surfaces:

Washing your hands is a necessity. But, since your phone is always in your hand, those germs are thriving. Have you heard? Cell-phones are dirtier than a public bathroom – that’s gross. And, by the way, this goes for your iPad, laptop and keyboard too. So, be sure to keep these surfaces clean. And, while you’re at it, don’t ignore countertops, desks, bathrooms, phones, light switches and door knobs. If it is absolutely necessary to run errands, disinfect the shopping cart, your credit card and don’t forget your car’s steering wheel and door handles.

Keep It Moving:

A key to good mental and physical health is exercise. Even though we are staying home as much as possible, getting out in the fresh air and taking a walk every day works wonders. There are also a ton of at home workouts you can access online that require little to no equipment! If you’re working from home, make sure to get up from your desk every hour and just move! 

Nutrition Matters

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.  We have all heard this before, but is there any truth to it?  Yes! Nutrition plays a significant role in maintaining your overall health and well-being.  Especially in these times of viral health concerns, don't discount the importance of a well-balanced clean diet to boost your immune system and keep you healthy. 

The best way to get the vital vitamins and minerals for a healthy immune system is through the foods we eat. You just need to practice a little conscious consumption. Planning ahead by having nutritious food on hand ensures that you will be eating balanced and immune boosting meals.

‘Eat the rainbow’. Fill your plate with antioxidant rich foods containing Vitamin C and Vitamin A such as citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, bell peppers, brussels sprouts, strawberries, carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe and squash. Vitamin E rich foods can be easily incorporated into the diet by adding nuts, seeds and even spinach and broccoli to your diet. Adding beans and peas to your plate helps to achieve optimal amounts of folate. Zinc and selenium also have a powerful effect on the immune system. Don’t forget to stay hydrated! 

What about Snack Time?:

It can be tempting and easy to get through the long days with sugary snacks. But, especially in times like these, it’s a wise idea to think twice about indulging in snacks that have no nutritional benefits. Instead, look for protein-packed snacks that are nutrient dense and will give you the clean fuel you need to power through your day!