During this unprecedented time with COVID-19 crisis, I hope you and your family are staying safe. As we go through this challenging period, it is essential to pay attention to our physical and emotional wellbeing. Anxiety, sleeplessness, depressed mood pose a severe threat to mental health, which in turn can impair one’s immunity. Stress also tips off the vicious cycle of binge eating, weight gain, depressed mood. Besides, due to the lockdown situation, physical activity is very much curtailed. Feeling overwhelmed, fear of falling sick, added to the financial burden of unemployment impose enormous stress on everyone. We feel the impact of it every single day. Some react to stress by resorting to food as a stress buster. Overall it is a challenging time for anyone with a weight loss goal. Here are a few tips to stay on track :

• Stress management: 1. Limit the information from TV, social media to reliable sources only and that too only to the critical headlines, warnings, and recommendations. 2. Stay connected with your loved ones. With the technology on our side, we can beat the social distancing blues through the virtual chat rooms. 3. Establish a routine and maintain sleep hygiene. 4. Practice deep breathing exercises whenever you feel anxious or overwhelmed. 5. Think positive and focus on the things that instill positive energy, be it a hobby, reminiscing with a photo album, or just connecting with your old friends.
• Eating healthy at home: This is a perfect time to hone those epicurean skills. Cooking at home not only saves you money but also makes you in control of your meals. Try different healthy recipes and keep a diary of quick and easy recipes that will come in handy during your hectic days.
• Exercise at home: Staying inside does not have to be staying inactive. Set your alarm to take walking/stretching breaks, go for a walk outside while maintaining a safe distance, clean your garage, start gardening.
• Beating the binges: Never lean on food for emotional support. Try to curb the cravings by having a set eating pattern, distracting with music/exercise, or simply jot down your feelings.

Let’s tide over this pandemic by paying attention to our health and staying positive. Follow the three “S” steps – Sanitize, Stay home, and Social distancing. Together we will combat this outbreak and come out stronger than ever.

Be well, and stay safe.