How to Focus on Your Mental and Physical Health (When You’re Home)

Whether you are quarantined and on self-isolation or just spending more time at home,
you need to focus on both your mental and physical health. They are both vital to
keeping your sanity and focusing on general wellness.

Take it Easy and Give Yourself a Break

During this time, try not to stress about being perfect and doing everything right. Nobody
can “win” at being home and being productive. Whether you are spending more time at
home because of an illness, virus, or other reason for your isolation, putting too many
expectations on yourself is going to make your stress and panic worse. This will
severely affect your mental health.

Give yourself a break and remember you are trying your best. Set small goals that can
be achieved easily, but be open and flexible for things to change.

Know What You Need Right Now

What are your biggest needs right now? Take a few minutes to consider what you need
the most, both for your mental and physical health. Using a journal is a great way to do
this. Write down anything you think would improve your life while at home, or would
make it easier.

This might mean having a schedule or routine, talking to friends online or on the phone,
finding a therapist who you can work with remotely, getting in a little exercise or getting
more fresh air. The sooner you understand what you need the most, the faster you can
switch up your schedule to improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Get Your Body Moving

While at home, try to find ways to get exercise and move your body. This can be both
exercise inside and outside your home. If you are on strict quarantine and can’t go
outside, then find online workouts you can do. There is a lot that can be done even
without equipment, like stretching, yoga, Pilates, and bodyweight workouts.

If you can go outside, go for a walk, walk the dogs, do some gardening or home
improvements, or take a family stroll every evening.

Combine Treats with Nutrition

While nutrition is very important for your physical health, restricting yourself and trying to
be on a “diet” while in isolation is not going to do your mental health any favors. An easy
method is to have a tread for every nutritional thing you eat. If you are going to have a
piece of fruit as a snack, maybe add a few pieces of dark chocolate. Have dessert after
your healthy dinner, or enjoy popcorn while watching a movie after dinner.