The COVID pandemic has changed how most people live their lives, but it may not be all bad. Adapting to your environment was likely a challenge in the early days of the crisis. Now, it’s clear there are some habits you shouldn’t ditch even when the coronavirus stress eases.
Along with visiting Yoga Life Digital for guidance on cleaner living and healthy trends, start and keep these six good habits through the pandemic.
Learn to Love Being at Home
Adapting to being at home more often may not be easy. But by fixing up your space, you can make it cozier and more inviting. Especially if your family is feeling downright smothered by all the closeness, decluttering and refreshing your home may help. Small steps like cleaning and tidying can make a big difference in everyone’s attitude.
Make healthy habits a priority, too – it may be tempting to focus on relaxing and unwinding. But if that relaxation involves too much junk food and not enough physical activity, it may not be in your best interest.
Positive thinking can also go a long way toward maintaining a healthy perspective. Rephrase the situation so that you’re not constantly thinking about being “stuck” at home. Instead, focus on the highlights of more time with loved ones and in spaces you enjoy.
Carve Out a Routine
Experts agree that routines are helpful for minimizing stress, and parents already know that children thrive when they know what’s coming next. Get your entire family on a set routine so you can maintain a rhythm to your days.
Things like sitting down to breakfast together each day or going for a walk midday can be revitalizing for everyone. The right amount of sleep is another crucial part of your regular routine. Of course, the quarantine-induced fatigue might be feeling can make this a challenge. But a regular bedtime has countless health benefits, highlights Healthline, so it’s worth adjusting your schedule accordingly.
Set Aside Time for Passions
Part of your routine should allow time for pursuing your passions. Hobbies can be part of self-care for many people, serving as a source of stress relief and relaxation. In contrast, some people prefer to direct their energy toward professional goals, which is another worthwhile passion.
Whatever you care about, schedule a block of time each week or even day to indulge. You might spend half an hour on your hobby or use that time to explore new career options or build skills. Either way, you’re investing in yourself by setting space aside for what you enjoy.
Be a Local Ambassador
Shopping close to home is one of the most impactful actions you can take during self-isolation as well as during non-pandemic times. Supporting local businesses helps stimulate your area’s economy. Not to mention, it helps families in your city earn a living.
Sticking with local stores and services may require some concessions, but it’s an ideal way to give back to your community in a way that benefits you, too.
Get Outside More Often
One benefit of indoor-only businesses closing, beyond reducing the spread of COVID-19, is that more people are spending time in nature. Being outdoors is healthy for a long list of reasons, and this is a habit you should wholeheartedly embrace no matter what your city’s lockdown status.
Make Family Time a Priority
Many families find that they feud more while stuck in close quarters. But refocusing family time – without screens or technology – can help you reconnect for the long-term. Think up activities to enjoy together, then make time in your routine for them.
Even mealtimes can serve as a great starting point for family connection, says Harvard Graduate School of Education. You can institute a no-phones statute at the dinner table and stick with the family rule well into the future.
Many of the adaptations you’ve made during the quarantine can feel restrictive. But there are also tons of ways that the pandemic has forced positive change at home. By embracing the new normal and cementing those beneficial habits, you and your loved ones are looking at a brighter future. Are you in search of inspiration for leading a healthier lifestyle? Visit Yoga Life Digital for information and inspiration along your journey.
April Meyers