Keep healthy throughout wave 2

As we’re in wave 2 of the pandemic in many parts of the world, I thought it was a good time to write this post. It’s getting colder where I am and I’ve heard from many people that continually not being able to do the things they want is taking its toll. Wave 2 can severely impact mood, energy and change sleep, exercise and eating habits. Here are are some tips you can follow to help you keep healthy throughout this next wave of the pandemic, even if you have to push yourself.

1.Take a short break from your goals if it helps. If you’ve been trying to lose or gain weight, maybe make this time a weight maintenance period. It allows you to put less pressure on yourself to keep to an unattainable regimen.

2.Record your food and exercise. Even though it can get tiresome, it will help keep you accountable. You don’t have to get down to in-depth details, but taking a couple of minutes to make your list can help you stay on a healthier course. A tool like myfitnesspal.com can help.

3.Plan some virtual active engagements with your friends and family. You can take virtual classes together or do a virtual competition like walking, running, biking or hiking. Record yourself so you have something to share and remember!

4.Engage in active living. What does this mean? Get moving whenever you can. For example, rake leaves, take the stairs instead of elevator, and walk when you have the time.

5.Take cues from your stomach. Your stomach knows when you’re full. If you’ve eaten your normal portion but still feel like eating, wait 20 minutes and see if you’re still hungry. If you are, then eat, if you’re not, don’t overindulge because the food is there.

6.Sleep. Not getting enough sleep will increase your appetite. When you’re sleep deprived, your body produces more of the hormone that increases your desire to eat. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day.

These are some of my tips to keep healthy during the pandemic. What are some of yours?

I wrote some more tips to stay mentally and physically healthy during the pandemic.