Taking care of your mind and body should always be a top priority when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Many of us are finding ourselves juggling so many tasks on a given day, which might even currently include homeschooling, likely a new item on a parent’s long list of roles. While trying to balance working from home, parenting, homeschooling, and simply adjusting to our new normal, it’s more important than ever to find ways to maintain a healthy and happy body and mind.
Yoga
Whether or not you currently attend a yoga class or have tried from home, you might be somewhat familiar with the practice. A blend of stretching for the body and meditation for the mind, yoga can boost your mental and physical fitness by improving sleep, lowering stress, strengthening your heart, and more. Many local yoga studios and gyms are offering both live streaming and pre-recorded classes. You can even try out one of the many apps out there with both free and paid options for classes. Even if yoga isn’t your thing, take a break throughout the day for a moment of calmness to focus on your breathing and stretching, and when you get back to working, homeschooling, or just wrangling the kids, you’ll feel refreshed!
Don’t Lose Touch
Practicing social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t find new ways to stay connected with your friends and family. Using FaceTime, Zoom, or other video calling options gives us the opportunity to catch up virtually – face to face. Many of us working from home or homeschooling have used these methods to keep in touch with coworkers, teachers, or school classes, but don’t forget to use these platforms for personal communication as well. Maintaining relationships keeps you truly connected with the world around you.
Take a Break
Between completing job-related tasks, keeping your kids busy, and homeschooling, finding the balance can be stressful. Set quiet times with your kids for a nap or reading, listen to your favorite music or pick up a book, or simply sit back with a cup of coffee or a snack. Even if your break is a quick workout or getting some exercise or fresh air with the kids, taking a few moments away from your tasks can help you reset and be more productive throughout the day.
Plan Your Meals
Spending so much time at home can lead to the irresistible urge to open your pantry or fridge and snack. And making fewer trips to the grocery store means you probably have stocked up and have plenty of snacks to choose from! Set a schedule for your meals and prepare them in advance. Having a plan for your next meal and having it already partially or fully prepared will leave to less of an urge to snack throughout the day.
There’s a lot on all of our plates right now, and as we continue to adjust to our new normal, it’s important to make sure we’re taking steps to keep ourselves safe, happy, and healthy, both mentally and physically.