We know there is a lot going on in our world right now, and we want you to know that we are in this together. Your routine might look a little different these days or you may not even have a routine at all. If you find your snacks aren’t lasting you very long, just know that most people are in the same boat. Some of you may even be having trouble eating enough. Life at home can get boring, and eating habits sometimes change when you’re under stress. It’s so important to be kind to yourself and others during this time, and try not to guilt yourself about how you are coping. As always, our goal is to help you feel your best so if you feel like you need some help navigating through this, we have some tips for you!
Here’s our top 4 tips to optimize your health at home:
- Hydration Check!
Keep a water bottle near you all day. This sounds simple but it’s so important to keep your body hydrated. This is one of the first things that gets missed when you go through stressful times. Drinking water throughout the day can help you feel less groggy and help curb excessive snacking! Be creative with your water intake: add slices of lemon, orange, grapefruit, or mint. Try starting your day with a full cup of water before you have anything else. If you struggle with remembering to hydrate, try setting some reminders/alerts for yourself throughout the day.
- Time for Tea
This is an awesome time to add more tea into your life. There are many beneficial teas out there with some great nutrients that can help support you through this time. If you’re looking to add some healthy components to your home routine, tea is an easy way to do so as it only takes a few minutes to make. Whether you want to feel more energized, balanced, calm, rejuvenated, less bloated, or need an immune kick – there’s probably a tea for it!
Here are some great tea options:
Ginger tea is great for the digestive system, immune system, and it is a nice way to feel rejuvenated.
Tulsi or Holy Basil tea is an adaptogen tea that can help you feel more balanced and calm. It is also a great tea for the health of the immune system. If you are curious about adaptogens and want to learn more about them, check out our last blog post!
Chamomile tea is a relaxing tea for any time of day, but it’s especially beneficial just before bedtime. It’s also great for heart health and for helping soothe the stomach and digestive system.
Hibiscus tea is packed with antioxidants and is great for the liver. It’s also packed with flavor and quite enjoyable if you want to try something different.
- Circulation
Being stuck at home can mean moving less for some people, and can leave you feeling more stagnant than usual. It’s important to move your body in any way that feels good to you! There are so many options for moving your body and simple things like stretching can make a huge difference throughout the day.
One thing you can do to help improve circulation is dry brushing. This is a great tool to use, especially before you shower. Start at the feet and brush upward in long strokes. Brush each section with 8-10 strokes and always move toward the heart/centre of the body. Be gentle with the brush as it should be stimulating to the skin, but not cause pain or irritation. It’s normal for the skin to get a little pink, but it should never be red or painful – so be gentle.
- Get Nutrient Dense!
This is a great time to optimize nutrient density; this means trying to get the most out of what you eat or drink, nutrient-wise! Regardless of what you are consuming, there is always a way to add more nutritional value. Some examples include adding greens into your pasta/pasta sauce, adding nuts/seeds to salads, tossing hemp hearts into your oatmeal or smoothies, or trying to include veggies with most meals!
The easiest way to utilize nutrient density is a good smoothie! Smoothies are a quick and easy way to add goodness into your day – whether that’s more greens, protein, superfoods, omegas, etc. Here is one of our favorite smoothie recipes, packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. We think you’ll find it tasty and rejuvenating!
(Pro Tip: Got some produce on its way out? Chop that up and freeze it for future smoothies!)
Golden Hour Smoothie
Ingredients
1 Tbsp Ginger Root (grated)
½ Banana
¼ Cup Frozen or Fresh Pineapple
¼ Cup Frozen or Fresh Peaches
¼ Cup Frozen or Fresh Strawberries
Coconut Milk or Nut Milk of choice: 1 Cup (amount needed will vary depending on desired consistency)
Optional Ingredients to Add More Nutrient Density:
- Ground Turmeric or Golden Mylk
- Carrot
- Hemp Hearts
- 1 Scoop of preferred protein powder (unflavored or vanilla is best)
Blend for 20-30 seconds or until desired consistency is achieved. Depending on your blender, the amounts of ingredients may change slightly. If you’re unsure, start with the recommended amount and add more if needed.
We hope these tips help you feel good at home, and we look forward to when we can all be together again. Stay safe, stay home, and give yourself gratitude during this time.
By Natalie Ovics, CHN
Papillon Medical & Dermatology