Four Healthy Habits You Should Continue After the Pandemic

The year 2020 has felt like a rollercoaster for everyone. No exceptions. Just when it may look like things are getting better, the year takes on another nose-dive. But it doesn’t seem to be all bad when looking at all the other things you have been able to achieve. It’s in the little things like having more time to rest or spending time with family and loved ones.

During the pandemic, many will agree that they have been able to do lots of things that they normally wouldn’t have had time for. That’s the silver-lining that many of us have searched for. How many healthy habits have you developed since the beginning of the pandemic? Healthy habits such as going for walks or cooking your own meals and cutting down on junk food.

Healthy habits are great for the body and soul and that’s why you should stick with them even after the pandemic is over and life returns to a semblance of normalcy. Here are four habits you should continue after the pandemic ends:

1. Get Physical: Unfortunately, some people have gotten a bit lazy during the pandemic due to reduced motivation (no gym membership to uphold, running mates to be accountable to, etc.). On the other hand, some others have increased their physical activity by double their initial rates. Those who took walks twice a week have increased them to four or more. After the pandemic, create a schedule you can abide by and maintain regular practice. Being physical is one of the best ways to staying healthy.
2. Connect More: It is true that many individuals were not exactly sure how they would survive a few days stuck indoors with their partners or family and housemates. There was a lot of tension and frustration. But people have learnt to be more tolerant of each other and building genuine relationships. After the pandemic, it would pay to stay connected with family and loved ones. Organize game nights and couples dates. Make family dinner at home and spend quality time together. Also, remember to remind loved ones who are away from home how much they are appreciated through video calls.
3. Appreciate Nature: You can have lunch outside rather than indoors always. Take walks in the park or simply sit on a bench and eat a homemade sandwich. When regular work resumes, you can opt for informal meetings in a restaurant that has outdoor settings. Rather than take the bus or drive to work, walk instead. Take your lunchbreak outside and soak in the sun. It helps.
4. Make Time for Yourself: When businesses closed up at the start of the pandemic, people suddenly realised they had a lot of time to spare. There were no pubs to visit, no gym sessions to attend, no cafes to go to. Lots of people found other things to keep themselves busy, some even remembered forgotten projects that they had abandoned. Others took up crafts and learned new skills. It is important to always some time to yourself, to keep your dreams alive and complete projects you start. Challenging yourself to complete new tasks will help you achieve more. If you found things you enjoy doing during the pandemic, dedicate at least 30 minutes twice weekly to them even when the pandemic is over.

A lot of things have changed, maybe forever, but they don’t have to be all negative. Keeping a positive mindset can help combat a lot of unnecessary negativity.