Following a big disruption of any kind, it can often be difficult to re-establish routines. During the COVID-19 pandemic many have found that their routines have been turned upside down. As we step into a New Year and continue on with our “new normal”, many of us may be thinking of ways to better look after our health. Here are some tips for working out new routines to get on top of your health goals:
Exercise: With a variety of restrictions in place, it can be much harder to fit exercise into your day. Try taking advantage of virtual exercise options and doing YouTube workout before or after work. If you have children, try incorporating exercise with your kids such as taking children sledding or going for a family walk.
Nutrition: During times of stress, it can be easy to turn to sweet, oily, high carbohydrate foods for comfort. However, over a long period of time these foods can really damage your physical and mental health, so it’s important to re-establish healthy eating routines. For example, keep frozen vegetables on hand to use in pasta sauces, curries and soups. Choose wholegrain breads, wraps, pastas and rice. Bulk cook and plan out meals and snacks so that you don’t make impulsive eating decisions when you are hungry.
Financial wellbeing: The economic impact of the pandemic can be a cause of stress for many and it may be a reason to adopt some healthy finance routines. Routines can include creating a monthly budget to better understand where money is being spend, planning purchases ahead of time and researching best deals, checking your bank balances regularly and allocating more savings towards a goal or emergency fund.
Self-care: The pandemic has been a stressful and uncertain time for so many. Much of our focus has been spent worried about our loved ones, the economy, the future, our own health status and caring duties while finding it difficult to switch these worries off. Although it may be hard to turn off the news and the feelings of worry, it is important to carve out some time to take care of yourself. Examples of self-care routines include putting your phone away before bed, establishing a night time and morning routine, planning time to read, meditate or do other activities of enjoyment.