2020 is over! But what does that mean at this point? The COVID-19 virus is still spreading, and although hope is currently being delivered in the form of a vaccine, we’re not quite to the finish line yet. Closures and restrictions remain in place, which might alter New Year’s resolution plans for 2021. Everyone’s situations are unique–some may feel comfortable going to the gym while adhering to safety guidelines, while others may not be able to leave the house.
But it’s still the New Year. Just because it may look a little different, doesn’t mean you can’t transform yourself! In fact, making and working toward goals can be a healthy distraction from outside events. We could all use something to look forward to!
So, let’s figure out a way to work toward resolutions while still following COVID-19 safety guidelines. And while the Nevada Health Link team believes every resolution is encouraging, we can’t help but be a little biased toward health-related goals.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, how can you…
- Exercise more often? It’s possible to exercise without going to the gym! Or, if you’d like, without leaving the house. The easiest way to do this is to use your body weight in place of equipment (this is also useful if you’d like to reduce contact on shared surfaces at the gym!). Body weight exercises can boost your metabolism, while building strength and increasing endurance. Check out our previous blog post for more tips on how to exercise safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Eat better? This is easier said than done. It’s common knowledge that boredom can lead to frequent snacking. You may not even be bored, just working from home, online schooling, etc. What may seem like endless hours of time spent at home, struggling to avoid aimless trips to the kitchen has proved challenging to overcome. How to avoid the snacking? Here are some tips:
- Keep track of what you eat with a food diary. This will make you more aware of when and how much you’re eating.
- Plan your meals, and stick to them!
- Carry a water bottle with you. The better hydrated you are, the more control you’ll have over your appetite.
- Brush your teeth, and not just after eating garlic. The minty taste will help reduce your cravings!
- Improve mental health? In addition to all of the limitations meant to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the chilly winter months are upon us. How to keep sane during a time like this? Meditation is a realistic, viable option for improving mental health. In addition to this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has some tips, some of which include sticking to a daily routine (or creating a new one), reducing screen time, and serving others when possible. Read more here. And, did you know that mental health treatment, such as counseling, is a part of Nevada Health Link’s 10 Essential Health Benefits?
Visit Nevada Health Link to learn more about how to support your health with a Qualified Health Plan, and for more trusted resources for 2021.
