How to stay healthy while staying home

How to stay healthy while staying home

So, we are a few weeks into the Coronavirus lockdown now, and the majority of the UK seems to be taking it seriously. Here at booicore, our online store is still open for business, while we are also taking every measure possible to ensure the health and safety of our employees. 

Now, not being able to explore the great outdoors or see our friends and family is pretty rubbish - we get that. And there is only so much Netflix we can binge-watch! Seriously! In the spirit of the fact that we are all in this together, we have decided to pull together our top tips for staying healthy while you’re at home - so that when the lockdown is lifted, we can all go back to enjoying the great outdoors again!

Tip One: Get into a routine

Routine is really important for mental wellbeing, and this enforced change to our routine could have a negative effect if we’re not careful. Sure, rolling out of bed and logging onto your computer while still in your PJs may sound like heaven, but this lack of structure will soon make you less productive and can make you depressed. So, our first tip is to try and stick as closely to your normal routine as possible. Get dressed for work, take regular breaks and step away from your screen for lunch. Also, stop work at your designated time and don’t go back to your laptop in the evening (if you can help it) - your home should still be a place that you can switch off.

Tip Two: Find a way to talk to people

Social distancing measures may mean that you can’t physically see your friends and family, but it doesn’t mean you should isolate yourself either. There are lots of different ways to stay in touch. You could use technology such as Zoom video calling to chat with family and colleagues or find another way to stay in touch. Send an email, make a call or even write a letter (the old-fashioned way of staying in touch!) - just do something to make sure you have at least one human interaction a day.

Tip Three: Stay up to date - in moderation

Obviously, it is really important to stay up to date with the news at times like this, but it can also make you anxious and stressed if you are watching it constantly. Perhaps limit your news watching to once a day - the daily Government update at 5 pm is always interesting and factual - and don’t spend so much time on social media either.  Do other things to relax, such as getting through that pile of books you’ve always wanted to read or browsing online for some pick-me-up treats. Give yourself the headspace to focus on things other than COVID-19 - you’ll feel much better for it.

Tip Four: Get outside

At the time of writing this post, the guidance from the UK Government regarding social distancing allowed us to exercise outside the home for up to an hour each day. Now, gyms are closed (obviously) but parks are still open so why not grab your bike or go for a run? Getting outside in the fresh air is great for not only your physical wellbeing but your mental wellbeing as well - and stops you staring at the same four walls all day long. Setting yourself a fitness goal is also a great way to give your mind focus during these uncertain times, so find what works for you and keep moving.

Getting outside for some fresh air is one of the best things you can do to keep healthy and happy, yes - but there are some caveats to that at the moment. The advice we have been given in the UK (at the moment) is not to undertake any unnecessary travel, so stay close to home rather than venturing to the beach or National Parks. Only head out once a day and keep your distance from other people (at least two metres).

This is an unusual time for us all, but we have the opportunity to make a real difference, simply by sticking on our booicore changing robe, snuggling up on the sofa and staying home. As unnatural as that may seem to us outdoor enthusiasts, it is the right thing to do. Take care of yourself and your loved ones - and stay safe!