The Blue & White

by Sofia Bovenga

Staying indoors and not being able to hit the gym every other day has been a pretty tough change for a lot of us. With gyms being closed due to the pandemic, many are wondering, “how do I stay fit and healthy during Covid-19?”

I have put together some different food recipes, such as smoothie bowls, a few forms of exercise, and different ways to meditate to help you stay physically and mentally healthy during this unpredictable time. After all, we should be taking advantage of this time we have at home to practice as much self care as possible!

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Bowl This has been one of my favorite things to eat lately, and is very easy to make. Having a small serving will fill you up, and give you energy for the day ahead! So for this, you will need: 1 banana, 5 strawberries, 1 cup of milk, and some ice. After putting everything in the blender, put it in a bowl and top it with some granola and coconut shavings.

This smoothie recipe is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, helps you feel full quicker, and is also cholesterol free! So instead of munching on a bag of potatoes chips (which many of us are guilty of doing), go for the healthier and tastier option. It will benefit you in the long run. Also, without being able to go to the gym as often, this food item helps with digestion.

Daily Meditations I started meditating during quarantine because I was interested in how it worked, and what I could benefit from it. I learned so much about myself from it and would highly encourage everyone to try it out! It teaches you how to stay grounded, to be grateful, and helps relieve stress and anxiety. With the fast-paced world we live in today, we can often forget to stop and take a deep breath, and appreciate the things and people around us. So meditating is an extremely helpful tool to use if you struggle with stress or anxiety.

When my friends ask me, “where do I start?” I always suggest going on YouTube and searching for guided meditations. Find a comfortable and safe place where you can’t be distracted. You will quickly start seeing reduced negative thinking, and feeling more relaxed. It’s essential to not only take care of your physical body, but your mind as well!

Simple At-Home Exercise Even though many gyms may be closed, working out at home is still very important and has a big impact on your health. Even working out for only 30 minutes a day can make a big difference in your mood and your thoughts. Studies have shown time and time again, that exercise helps reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. So keep your brain stimulated and get moving when you can!

I like to find easy and quick workouts on Pinterest. They don’t take long, but I feel energized and less tense after completing them. You can find at-home workouts for any area of the body you might want to focus on a little more…Pinterest does have everything!