From lockdown to 7 days isolation, you might find yourself, at home...yet again, but you are not alone, like always we're all in this together. 

We want to help you and our communities through this time. So, here's some tips on how to stay healthy whilst at home.

GET OUTDOORS

While staying within the recommended guidelines of isolation and social distancing, getting outside is essential. Everyone needs a breath of fresh air, it's good for the soul. So, fill your lungs with fresh oxygen. There are various studies that suggest oxygen should be grouped as an essential nutrient. The definition of a nutrient is “a substance that provides nourishment for the maintenance of life and growth” and with this I think we can all agree that oxygen unambiguously fits this. 

So let's get outdoors! Try having your morning coffee outside, reading in the backyard, or being active outside. Being outside also exposes us to sunlight, which is how we absorb vitamin D. A vitamin we need to help our immune system fight off bugs in the winter months.

GET MOVING

Physical activity has been linked to health and longevity since ancient times. During isolation, it's important that we create or maintain an active routine being in isolation may stop you from doing a lap of the block, but we can get creative with online workouts or maybe a run... on the spot. Studies show that sticking to a routine also has a positive effect on our mental health. There are several online platforms where you can find yoga, pilates, and group fitness classes.

*Local gyms, PT’s, and instructors are now online. Try to support these businesses in time of need.   

But you don't have to be a fitness fanatic to stay moving, there are various activities that can also get the blood flowing. 

• House work
• Gardening
• DIY projects
• Baking
• Playing with animals or children

STIMULATE YOUR BRAIN

Studies suggest social isolation is associated with poor cognitive health. This can be due to a lack of stimulation, meaning we also need to exercise our brains. Get out an old puzzle or board game, have fun with your housemates/kids. Read the book on your bedside table, or start learning that language you’ve always thought about. Try something new, like meditation, writing, or knitting. Remember to stay social, we live in a technology fuelled world, there are various online platforms that facilitate social connection. Video call your loved ones or pick up the dusty home phone. Keep your mindset positive and healthy, this isn’t long term and we all know the sacrifice is worth the health of our community.

SLEEP

You may not have a job or school to get up for but don't stay up all night and sleep all day. Maintain your sleep routine, or use this as an opportunity to improve your sleep routine. It's recommended we have at least 7 hours of sleep per day. It helps with  weight regulation, improves mental health, decreases stress, improves mood, and allows our bodies to rest and improve our immune system.  

HEALTHY EATING

Make sure you continue to have a routine with your meal times, even though normal stimuli may have been removed. Skipping meals leads to low blood sugar levels, which sends you searching for a sweet treat. If you are working from home, move away from your working space to eat. It's important we take time to register we are eating, which can help with satiety levels and has been shown to help work productivity.

Don’t exclude food groups, access to fresh produce may decrease, but don’t leave them behind. Get orangised and complete an online shopping order or get your fave meals dleivered. All of our meals contain locally sourced ingredients packed with fresh produce that will help you meet your 5-a day and ensure you stay healthy at home. 

Avoid boredom eating, this can be achieved by regular well balanced meals, drinking lots of water, keeping the mind busy. 

If you are in complete isolation, and have no access to food. Please give us a call on (03) 8669 0587 and we can process an order for you over the phone, or visit our website.

Tell us in the comments what you have been doing at home to stay healthy and happy.

Alicia McIntyre