Mind Your Health

With the current COVID-19 situation, we have all curtailed our time spent outside home to a bare minimum level – especially for those of us who are working from home; the times we “get to go out” is pretty much limited to grocery runs and perhaps a quick daily jog or brisk walk around our estate (by ourselves of course). Along with the circuit breaker, the social time that we get to spend with our friends is also limited to online interactions. For those of us who are used to sporting a full social calendar, this can really throw us off course and as a result of all the time spent indoors and changes to our daily routine, can leave us feeling stressed and restless. What’s more, some of our creature comforts – like online shopping/expectations of next day delivery; and comfort foods such as bubble tea may not be as readily available during this time.

To keep spirits up and momentum for the rest of the extended circuit breaker, here are some ways you can step up to the challenge, and stay healthy physically, emotionally and mentally!

Watch Your Plate! (And snacks stash)

Do you go straight to the instant noodles/ canned food section in supermarkets when you head out to purchase your #essentials? Although they are convenient to prepare, it is important to be mindful of your diet. A well balanced diet consists of enough protein, a range of vitamins and minerals, and is low in sodium, sugar and fat. So take a turn and get some meat, grains, vegetables and fruits!

It is tough to keep hands off the snacks, especially when most of us spend all day at home and tend to feel bored or restless. Swap out those snacks that are high in sugar or sodium for QUEST® Protein Bar which are low in calories and high in fibre!

Keeping active

Other than heading out by yourself for a jog, walk, or cycle, there are also many ways you can keep active at home. Move those joints and work those muscles!

• If you find yourself sitting for excessively long periods every day, remind yourself to consciously stand up every 30 to 60 mins, do some light exercises, stretch and take a walk around the house so your muscles get a chance to loosen up. Plus, don’t forget to top up on your water supply too!
• Sign up for virtual exercise classes offered by instructors and use household items such as bottles for weights, and towels for sliders
• Why not set up regular virtual workout sessions with your friends, so you can motivate each other to work out (1 more set please!)
• Climb up and down the stairs of your house or block
• Stay lean this season with extra help! Burn more calories with LAC LEANCUT™ Cut & Burn (Stimulant Free) , a proven thermogenic formula that increases post workout calorie burning by up to 60% for up to 1 hour after workout. LAC L-Carnitine 500mg helps to metabolise fat and reduce muscle soreness after exercise.

Disconnect from negative news

It is good to be updated with worldly news and the current COVID-19 situation, but sometimes it can get too much. If you find that constantly reading or watching news about Covid-19 brings about too much worry and unnecessary stress, minimise newsfeeds to once or twice a day if needed. Also, it is advisable to check up on the authenticity of what you read as there has been news from illegitimate sources spreading around.

Plan a routine

Days go by spent at home with minimal plans and it is easy to find ourselves slipping into “lethargic mode”, feeling restless and unproductive. To counter this, try keeping up with a planned routine! It can be as simple as:
· Getting up and heading to bed at similar times (make sure you get enough rest!)
· Eating meals at regular times
· Knocking off from work (if you are working from home) timely
· Setting aside time for exercise, relaxation and doing things you enjoy

Take the time to catch up on your hobbies and interests

While staying at home all day may not be the most exciting thing to do, why not take this opportunity to re-pickup on a hobby or interest? Complete a cross-stitch, pick up a paintbrush or set those green fingers to work! For book lovers, this is the best time to get your hands on e-books to read to your heart’s desire!

Be kind and compassionate

This can be difficult times for many people – whether financial worries or otherwise; take the time to check in with close friends and relatives. If your finances allow, you could even consider donating small amounts to various charitable organizations or groups that are helping those who are affected by Covid-19, whether it is to provide them with meals or necessities. Helping someone in need definitely goes a long way in boosting our own happiness level as well!