Since the pandemic, we all have been reduced to being at home for most of our time. It is the safest place, and you will not have to risk catching the virus if you stay indoors. However, it can get hard to maintain good health when you are home all the time.
We often associate being at home with resting and lounging. Everything else, until the pandemic, was carried out outside of the house, from working, attending meetings to exercising. Well, there are many ways you can still improve and maintain your health even when you are at home- even after the pandemic.
Set Goals
One of the ways to start changing your lifestyle to be healthier is to set goals. This way, you know what you want and can begin planning how to achieve your goals. Establishing a more realistic goal that cannot potentially harm yourself is essential, like a drastic weight change.
For instance, you can set achievable goals such as getting an 8-hour sleep or up to 10,000 steps a day. Then once you set goals, you can start planning and thinking of what you can do to achieve them, such as walking around the house more or doing a fitness activity. You can even start mapping out the house to set up different “difficulties” in different parts of the house.
In addition, when you set realistic goals that you can quickly achieve, you will find yourself more productive and motivated to stay healthy. Bigger plans are, of course, still good; however, they can sometimes make you feel dejected. This is why important to break the big goals into smaller, much attainable ones.
Make Chores More Fun
Chores are always a big obstacle at home; for instance, sweeping the floor can be challenging when you can lounge around. However, you can make chores more fun when you add entertainment. For instance, add music with your Bose speakers to have something to jam to during your vacuuming session. Besides music, you can also play feel good podcasts or podcasts with mental health topics to take care of your well-being while cleaning up your house.
In addition, studies have shown that doing household chores has the same effect as going to the gym. It is equally as effective as exercising or running when it comes to lowering your risk of heart disease and extending your life. So, the next time you procrastinate on house chores, remember your goals and get going!
You Do not Need to Buy Gym Equipment
When exercising at home, many people think they need to buy gym equipment such as dumbbells or kettlebells. But it’s unnecessary as you can use the items you can find around your house. With this, you can still stay healthy and exercise while saving money.
For instance, if you are doing an exercise that requires you to lift weights, you can use water bottles and fill them up with water. They work just as well as the actual dumbbells. Another example is when you would like to use a skipping rope, but since it is unavailable at home, you can just jump while mimicking the movement.
Many people think that they need gym equipment to be healthy at home. The simple answer is no and yes. While it can be used to motivate you to exercise more, it is not necessary to get a good workout. You only need the tool yourself, and you are good to go.
Breathe Better Air Quality
Another way to keep yourself afloat while at home is to have good peace of mind. With peaceful surroundings, you can immerse yourself in activities that can be nurturing for your brain. This can be achieved by using relaxing and soothing music as well as an air purifier.
Air purifiers have many health benefits, including relieving asthma, eliminating harmful chemicals, neutralizing odour, and reducing the chances of airborne diseases. The benefits are especially vital in this age of the pandemic, as the COVID-19 virus attacks breathing and lung activities.
Not only that, but you will also be able to improve your sleep quality with an air purifier due to the better air quality around you. Consequently, it also increases your life expectancy by improving air quality, allowing you to have a healthier lifestyle with better sleep.
Get an Exercise Buddy
When at home, exercising can also get boring and repetitive over time, especially when you are doing it alone. Instead of tackling fitness by yourself, try having a partner to work out together. It does not have to be a romantic partner; it can be your parents, siblings, or even your children.
By having a partner or several exercise partners, you will find yourself looking forward to working out. Consequently, you are going through the same thing and can motivate each other to exercise even more. You could even turn it into a bit of competition for more edge. Besides, it can be a fun activity while you are at home. With this, you will not dread your working out sessions as much as you did when you were alone.
Eat Healthily
Another fantastic way to get a better lifestyle is to change your diet. At home, it is pretty simple; you need to change up a few things, and you are already changing for the better. For instance, you could use a microwave oven or air fryers to cook with less oil instead of deep-frying your food. You could also opt for steaming your vegetables or proteins for a healthier version of the food you are making. Besides that, use fewer seasonings so you do not overconsume sodium.
However, it is essential to note that your body needs to adjust to the diet changes. Avoid making drastic changes, as it might affect your health and mental well-being. If you are craving something, it is much better to listen to your body instead of pushing that craving away.
Additionally, if you are not sure what to make for your meals, you can always turn to the internet to find interesting and tasty recipes or ideas. As a result, you might even find new delicious recipes that you can implement into your life. Besides, there are many creative recipes on the internet that you might have not even think about, making it an exciting meal to look forward to.
The bottom line is that there are many ways you can improve your health. What is important is that you are consistent and you are kind to yourself in this time when you are trying to change. It is also worth noting that change takes its time to show its difference. Good luck!
