Being stuck inside, switching to online classes, and having no set schedule, all while experiencing anxiety about lost income and the current state of the world can make it hard to take care of yourself. So, how about a quick brainstorm of self care patterns to survive this quarantine?
Eats
First, let’s talk about nutrition. Since we are forced to stay inside, now could be the perfect time for you to try out those new recipes you may have tucked away in a cookbook somewhere in your kitchen (or on Pinterest). Take this time to explore new foods and see what you like. If you’re feeling a little rusty in the kitchen, practice cooking and look up simple recipes to follow.
Check out our Instagram page (@nauhealthcoach) for some meal ideas! If cooking isn’t your favorite thing to do or you set off the fire alarm every time you cook, go out there and support those small, family owned restaurants. Try some new ethnic foods, try to get out of your comfort zone.
Nutrition is important during this quarantine, in terms of building immunity. So, if you have extra time on your hands now might be a great time to focus on nutrition in your own life. And if you’re short on cash, visit you local food bank such as Flagstaff Family Food Center for a box of free food and get cooking. If you are struggling meal planning or just need ideas for getting started, sign up for a free initial health coaching session!
Peeps
Feeling extra lonely? What better of a time than now to catch up with an old friend or family member. Set up a FaceTime or Zoom call a few times a week with your friends. Another free app that is great for a video call is Houseparty. It has fun games you can play with your friends during the video call.
Try reaching out to an old friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while. If you have a computer and use Google Chrome, download Netflix Party so you can stream a movie with a bunch of friends at the same time while having a chat room open to talk about it.
If you make sure you keep a safe distance you can meet up with some friends in a parking lot and all hang out in your own cars and socialize that way. It’s so easy to fall into loneliness during this quarantine and we want to help make sure that doesn’t happen!
Moves
With gyms being closed it can be hard to figure out ways to exercise. Make sure you go outside once in a while and get some fresh air. You can go for a walk, hike, run, bike ride, rollerblading, and so much more!
If you are worried about losing all the muscle you’ve worked so hard for at the gym, buy some weights to work with at home. If you can’t afford weights try using different household items to lift such as bricks, tires, your little sibling, or milk jugs. Get creative! There are also plenty of bodyweight exercises you can try out such as push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and burpees.
There are so many great YouTube videos out there, including yoga, cardio or find one to learn a new dance routine. Check out the @nau_fit_program Instagram page for workout videos and other ideas by our own NAU Fit instructors.
Be on the lookout for other exercise ideas on our Instagram page! Don’t let your physical activity decrease during this quarantine, get your body moving to stay energized, productive, and emotionally well.
Hana Rahn, Health Coach