Creating Healthy Routines During Covid-19!

It’s a chilly Melbourne winter. There’s still COVID-19. Time to reflect on health, wellness and routine!

As we all begin to kickstart a new habit of having a freshly laundered mask (or winter scarf) in our pockets and handbags, let’s take the opportunity to reflect on creating healthy habits and routines.

Habits can be positive, like a regular exercise routine, or unhealthy, for example ordering UberEats three times a week (!) rather than making healthy meals with organic veges.

A 2009 study in the European Journal of Social Psychology suggests it takes 66 days to create a new habit.

As a recent article in Forbes magazine stated: “because of social distancing, the patterns in which we work, interact and relax are changing. By the time we are back to “normal” (whatever that may mean), 66 days will likely have passed”.

So, “iso” as we have nicknamed it here in Oz, provides an unprecedented opportunity to create some healthy habits!

Beyond Blue suggests that creating routines particularly around exercise and social connection, are important measures to support health and wellbeing during Covid-19.

Routine helps create a sense of structure and normality. Some suggestions by psychologist Sabrina Read for Beyond Blue include:

• If you previously did pilates, yoga or a gym session before work, then find a way to adapt that practice for the home setting.
• And if you enjoy having lunch with others, schedule in a lunchtime catch-up by phone or video call where you can sit around and chat as you usually would.
• Creating a plan for each day, with set times for each task can provide stability and comfort at a time of uncertainty.
• Even if it’s simple things like what time you eat, get up, go to bed or chat to a friend, having a structure will make long days spent at home more manageable.

At the same time, maintaining a sense of spontaneity, following a whim in ‘now’, with your kids, partner, or by yourself is a wonderful way to stay positive and present.

Stay safe and well (and don’t forget to have some fun!), The Stable Team.