Circuit Breaker is ending soon but based on yesterday’s news, life will not suddenly go back to normal. Instead, we are looking at a gradual, three-step process to restoring life as we used to know it, and this is expected to take months.

Dr. Grace Huang, resident doctor at DTAP Clinic Robinson, shares some tips in this article on how to stay physically healthy during Circuit Breaker and the “new” normal.

Said Dr. Huang, “During this difficult period, we are confounded by many factors, such as the loss of normalcy, unusual routines, working from home, no access to gyms or fitness classes and mounting psychological stress. This makes staying physically and mentally healthy very challenging.”

Here are Dr. Huang’s top tips.

[1] Remain active

Even though there are no gyms or fitness classes available, Dr. Huang points out that it is important to continue to stay active.

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She said, “Just 30 – 60 minutes of daily exercise is all you need. While we cannot replicate the exacting fitness regimens we were doing at a gym, moving our bodies even a little, is better than nothing.”

A healthy adult should aim for 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week.

Said Dr Huang, “These exercise can be in many forms such as cycling, running, brisk walking or skipping. If you are new to home workouts, search online for videos that demonstrate a wide variety of routines.”

[2] Eat Well

Working from home, compounded with added stress, can result in unhealthy eating habits and binge-eating.

Said Dr. Huang, “But if you must snack, limit the quantity of junk food and dessert to smaller portions, or better yet, eat healthier and equally satisfying alternatives such as fresh fruit or nuts. Prepare your meals in advance with nutritious ingredients so that you will have scheduled meals rather than binging on unhealthy snacks due to hunger pangs.”

[3] Get enough sleep

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Said Dr. Huang, “Working late, sleeping at irregular hours and waking up in the wee hours upset our body clock, and will affect our sleep, and in turn, our health.”

Instead, she recommends sleeping on time and waking up naturally to your own body clock rather than to an alarm.

Added Dr. Huang, “But if you persistently suffer from insomnia or a disrupted sleep cycle, consider seeking medical help; sleep disruption is one of the many possible signs that your mental well-being is taking a hit.”

Conclusion 

Said Dr. Huang, “With small changes, we can continue to stay fit and healthy and keep ourselves on track. With the world beyond the Circuit Breaker soon awaiting us. We will be better and ready for it.”