Ways to Stay Sane and Healthy When Homebound
Sacramento gyms are closing, and many of us are practicing a period of self-quarantine to slow the spread of COVID-19. Pipeworks closed earlier this month, and all 24-Hour Fitness locations have followed suit. It is safe to assume other gyms will close as well. Given this, we began exploring ways of keeping healthy at home.
Options for Exercise
It is essential to maintain an exercise regimen even if you cannot get to the gym. Regular exercise boosts the immune system and lifts our mood. A walk, run, bike ride, or hike outdoors is the best option to get natural light and fresh air while efficiently practicing social distancing. Exercising outdoors is a healthy way to prevent or reduce cabin fever unless you live in an extremely densely populated area.
If you have been deprived of your dumbells, here are some household objects that have some heft and can be lifted:
- Gallon milk jug filled with water or sand
- Paint cans
- Bottles of laundry detergent
- A big bag of dog food
Of course, use caution and only lift if you are familiar with the proper form and used to a routine.
Watch YouTube Video: 30-Minute HIIT Cardio Workout. Below is one of the many free home workout videos available.
Healthy Home Meal Delivery Services
As a companion to exercise, we need to continue eating healthfully, and keeping adequate food supplies on hand is a topic on everyone’s minds. Several companies offer delivery of all the ingredients to make a few healthy meals per week, along with the recipes. The companies operate out of commercial kitchens; most have implemented even more stringent sanitation procedures. The meals are a bit more expensive than buying directly from a grocery store, but as boredom sets in, it may be fun to try a week or two of these prepared kits. Here are a few that offer healthful options:
- Purple Carrot – This is an entirely plant-based meal kit service. A sample meal on their current menu plan: Eggplant Parmesan with Garlicky Tomato Sauce & Lemon Basil Couscous
- Green Chef – Offers plans for Keto, Paleo, Plant-Powered, and balanced living. Sample meal on the Paleo menu: Blackened Cajun Chicken with Bell Pepper & Tomato Hash, and Kale Salad with Cucumber
- Sunbasket – Varied menu. One current option: Bangers & Mash, Shallot Gravy, and Peas and Spinach
For a healthy breakfast, try the following smoothie recipe. The benefit of this smoothie during this strange time is that you can freeze the bananas and fruit and use shelf-stable almond milk.
Breakfast Smoothie
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ cup frozen berries – any kind
- Scant 2 cups almond milk
Put all ingredients in a blender along with ice, if desired, and blend.
Variations: instead of berries use a large spoonful of peanut butter. For added nutrition, add a spoonful of ground flaxseed.
Home Hand Sanitizer
If we are homebound, we should always have access to soap and water to wash our hands. But realistically, we will need to venture out into the world at some point for food or a medical appointment. With supplies of prepared hand sanitizer running low on store shelves, here is a recipe for hand sanitizer to make at home:
- Combine two parts rubbing alcohol (99% alcohol volume) with one part aloe vera gel. Add drops of essential oils if you have any. Put in an empty spray bottle and go. The 2/1 ratio will keep alcohol to approximately 60%, the minimum required to combat the virus, per the Centers for Disease Control.
We here at AutoAccident.com hope you stay healthy and find something to be grateful for daily.
We are in this together!
Stockton Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Stockton personal injury lawyer. If you or a family member sustained an injury due to a careless or reckless driver, we are happy to offer free and friendly advice. Call us at (209) 227-1931 or (800) 404-5400.
I have worked diligently as a legal representative for injured Stockton residents for 38+ years. My firm has achieved very favorable settlements and verdicts. Please take a moment to visit the following links and read what some of my prior clients say about my firm’s services:
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