It’s too hot or too cold outside. The air quality is poor. There’s an advisory to stay indoors. Whatever the reason, we all know there can be times when getting outside is just not possible. When that’s the case, you may be tempted to put aside your healthy routines.
But just because you’re staying at home doesn’t mean you can’t continue to make healthy lifestyle choices. After all, you need to stay healthy to be there for your family and neighbors in need. Staying healthy can also help to reduce stress.
While they may not be part of your usual routine, there are many ways to get moving, eat healthy, and stay socially connected with those you care about even when staying indoors. Here at IMPACT Diabetes, a part of the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention program, we’re here to help you stay healthy even when we’re not together in person. Try following these tips to keep up with your healthy habits:
Get moving:
- Walk, march, jog, or do jumping jacks in place.
- Go up and down the stairs several times in a row.
- Lift weights or heavier household items like cans of food or bottles filled with water.
- Play a game with your children, grandchildren, or pets that gets your heart pumping.
- Look for online fitness offerings or videos you can do from home.
Eat healthy:
- Try a new healthy recipe using items you already have in your pantry. CDC offers healthy recipe ideas to get you started.
- Order takeout from a local business – but choose a healthy option from the menu! CDC’s tips on how to choose healthy options when you’re eating out work for takeout too!
- Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time so you will be less likely to eat mindlessly or lose track of portion control.
- Drink water to stay hydrated.
Stay connected:
- Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while and check in. If you have friends or family members who are also trying to stay healthy, call or text them periodically so you can hold each other accountable.
- Use the technology you have available – call, text, email, or video chat. If you are a member of a faith-based organization or other community group, see if live streams or virtual hangouts are offered. Although technology is great, try to reduce your screen time if it seems to be causing additional stress.
- Write a letter or card to send in the mail.
Most of all, remember to stay positive! It’s natural to feel stress or anxiety when your movement is limited and your routines are disrupted; but being active, eating healthy, and staying connected during this time can help.
Through our virtual National Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP) lifestyle change program, you can connect with a coach online who can encourage you to eat healthier, exercise more, and reduce stress. Through the program, you’ll also work with other program participants who can support you on your journey. You can sign up and learn more at https://www.impactdiabetes.org.
No matter what life throws our way, we are here for you!