These trying times have likely taken a toll on your health. As we get bogged down in the day-to-day stresses, it can be helpful to take a step back and get a reminder of what is needed in order for us to be our best selves. Here are 13 ways you can Stay Fit and healthy:
Find Ways to Boost Your Mood
Don’t ignore the influence your mind has over your physical health. The right mindset makes all the difference in how you view yourself, your lifestyle, and your relationships. Staying positive can help keep you feeling your best, all the way around.
Take small steps to care for yourself each day.
Add mood-boosting foods to your meal plan.
Optimize workouts with motivational apps. These will be on your smart device during a lot of physical activity, so be sure to protect your smartphone with a durable and versatile case.
Create a Fitness-Focused Space
Even if you are a hardcore gym rat, you can find fulfilling and worthwhile workouts in your own digs. Working out at home is one way to Stay Fit when you are avoiding public spaces or just cannot make it to the gym, and in fact, with a little creativity, you can create a nice supplementary program to your usual workout routine.
Incorporate daily yoga practice to your at-home routine.
Choose the perfect fitness equipment for your workout goals.
Implement exercises to ease joint pain as you amp up your workouts.
Upgrade Your Eating Habits
Good food means good fuel for your body. Focus on nutrient-dense foods in all your major food groups. Be sure to include lean protein, healthful fats, whole grains, and colorful fruits and veggies (the more colorful the better!), basically replacing foods that contain trans fats, added salt, and refined sugar. And when it comes to actually pausing to eat, whether it is at the dinner table or on the fly, be mindful of how you are consuming the food (mindful eating), which forces you to slow down and enjoy the meal or snack, as well as help with digestion.
Add healthy snacks to your shopping list.
Start meal prepping to spend less time in the kitchen.
Improve your nutrition by changing how you prepare your meals.
Give Your Body the TLC It Needs
Caring for your body involves more than healthy eating and exercise. Your wellbeing requires a “whole body” approach to overall health, which entails getting enough sleep, finding ways to reduce stress, and enjoying the company of others.
Schedule a couple more hours of sleep per night.
Take a vacation -- an essential step, as ZenBusiness notes here, for reducing job stress, especially for those in management or leadership roles.
De-stress to support heart and overall health.
Make socializing a priority for better mental and physical health.
When your schedule, health concerns, or other issues get in the way of your gym routine, you can innovate ways to Stay Fit and healthy. By focusing on boosting your mood, getting active, eating well, and taking a break when your body needs it, you will be ahead of the game when you return to your usual fitness plan.
Personal Trainer Sheila Olson encourages her clients to stay positive and incorporates mindfulness and practices for reducing negative talk into her sessions. She created FitSheila to spread the word about her fitness philosophy.