It’s times like these, where being stuck in your house with no more access to your usual freedoms allow for people to fall into unhealthy habits much too easily, since their normal day to day schedules are put on hold. Sleeping late, watching tv, scrolling on your phone for hours upon hours… it seems like a vacation. Don’t get me wrong catching up on sleep and being well rested is crucial, but your mind and body need to be taken care of. This means using them to their full abilities, challenging them, and improving them so that they stay healthy. While it isn’t often we are told to not leave our homes for weeks, it is still important to learn the lesson of how to keep your mind and body active.

While mental health has definitely increased in awareness over the last decade, still many people underestimate mental fitness, which basically means keeping your brain and emotional health in the best shape it can be in. The most known way of helping your mental health, is actually physical exercise. Physical activity increases the flow of oxygen to your brain. It increases the amount of endorphins, which help you feel good and happy, and relieves stress. Studies show that people who are in good physical shape also tend to enjoy a higher level of mental agility. You can stay active by taking long walks outside or by following one of the countless workout videos that are posted online. This will ensure you keep a happy and healthy mindset along with being fit.

Along with being physically active it is important for you to keep yourself mentally engaged. It is so easy to sit back and spend countless hours doing unfulfilling things. Spending all your time like this is no good. You should consider reading a book or finding a hobby which brings you satisfaction. You can also deep clean and reorganize to feel productive. This way you are nourishing your mind and soul during unprecedented times. Hobbies can be as simple as meditation or painting. These especially can calm you and bring ease to times that are currently filled with angst.

The Coronavirus has interrupted our scheduled busy lives and we are left to move forward accordingly. Take this time to slow down and take a step back from the manic day to day we are so accustomed to. As the break continues, be sure to consider your mental and physical health throughout and keep yourself happy and healthy.