8 Things to Keep You Healthy, Living in Quarantine

Celebrating 60!

   This is for anyone who is beginning to realize that going out for dinner and drinks with friends is not going to happen for quite some time.  I just celebrated turning 60 on Zoom with family from all over the world, toasting at extreme social distances, telling stories and giggling all the same.  We are all finding ways to adapt to the new normal, and with a little discipline, can take advantage of this time in quarantine. Hopefully, by taking care of our physical selves, we will keep up our morale as well.

   After several days of connecting with friends via the internet from other parts of the world, checking in, saying hello, etc., I started reading some really good articles in French about how people are coping.  As I was looking up vocabulary that had long ago escaped me, it occurred to me that reading articles in another language was not only great for gaining a better global perspective, but it also challenged me mentally.  I found a very simple and practical article on keeping healthy with daily routine, which I will reference at the end of this post.  The translation here is certainly not exact, and I have taken the liberty to add a few thoughts of my own. This is just me and my muse, not claiming to have created all the content!

   And so...8 Things to Keep You Healthy, Living in Quarantine.

1.  Eat fewer calories.  A lower activity level means we're burning fewer calories.  We're not moving as much, using stairs, going to the grocery, the bank, walking to a friend's desk or office, etc.  Keep an eye on your steps per day and try to hit 10,000.  Reduce caloric intake by 200-300 per day.  Be careful here, as this is not the time to try a super restrictive fad diet.  Calories also help nourish our immune system, so no diet of neglect! Just eat a little less.

2.  Keep track of your nutrient intake.  When we change eating habits, it's possible we will cut out certain nutrients that we need for optimal health.  If you're in the habit of eating out and consuming meat or fish a few times a week, and just stop consuming that, you may be lacking iron, protein, or omega 3 in your diet.  All of that being said,  pay attention to what you're eating.  Eat fresh fruit and vegetables to get your vitamins and minerals, preferably organic.  Drink juices sparingly, as the sugar content can be quite high.  Wash fruits and veggies in a baking soda/water solution to get rid of bacteria.  One quart water with one tablespoon of baking soda. Soak ten minutes, then rinse.  

3. Get cooking and try new recipes.  Look through old cookbooks or check online to find interesting recipes.  Cooking can be a great source of enjoyment, if you take the time to prepare things you really love to eat.  Avoid making too many cakes and cookies that are high in calories. Focus instead on variety and fresh ingredients when choosing recipes.

4.  Get plenty of vitamin D.  Sit in those rays of sunshine when they peak through the clouds. 15-30 minutes/day should suffice.  Close your eyes and imagine that you are on a tropical island, sand between your toes with the sound and smell of the ocean permeating your senses.  For additional help, eat avocados, mushrooms, eggs, milk products, fatty fish...and chocolate!

5.  Keep a regular sleep schedule.  Wake up and go to bed around the same times every day.  Listen to your body and rest when you're tired.  Choose reading over television before going to sleep to relax and de-stress. 

6.  Avoid snacking.  This is one of our go-to activities when we're bored.  Establish regular meal times and stick to them.  Take your time during meals to really enjoy what you have prepared, allowing yourself to feel full naturally.  Avoid eating in front of a screen, where you're more likely to engage in mindless munching.  Don't buy junk food, and only do grocery shopping on a full stomach.  If you need a snack, choose some almonds, a piece of fruit, or a piece of cheese.  

7.  Stay active.  A walk or run in your neighborhood is a great way to start your day.  Listen to your favorite audio book, music, or podcast on your walk as a way to get motivated.  Find a youtube channel with 30 minute exercise programs or yoga sessions, and add this to your daily schedule.  If you really are adverse to exercise, clean the bathrooms, vacuum, organize the garage.  Just get moving.  Get up every 30 minutes to climb the stairs, do some stretching, or just march around the house! Do 20 bicycle kicks while on your back, followed by a one minute plank hold.  Move. Move. Move.

8.  Don't neglect self care and hygiene.  Get dressed early and get out of those pajamas.  Enjoy a nice long shower.  Exfoliate your skin and then apply your favorite moisturizer.  Do a face mask.  Go without makeup and let your skin breathe!   Take care of yourself.  You are important. You matter. Treat yourself with dignity, respect and loving kindness.  

Bon Courage, mes amis! et merci de lire mes muses.

Melissa

The article in French:  https://www.lebonbon.fr/bordeaux/societe/confinement-8-conseils-garder-vie-saine/