5 Tips to Look and Feel Your Best as COVID-19 Restrictions Fluctuate

After more than a year of self-isolating, social distancing, mask-wearing, and working from home, many of us have forgotten what it’s like to put together a professional outfit for work, dress and apply makeup for a night out with friends, or venture outside of the home for anything other than food, groceries, and other essential errands.

Nearly a third of the global population has gained weight since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. On average, those people who gained weight put on 13.5 lbs (6.1 kg). In the USA, 71 million Americans have put on weight during the pandemic — and 52 percent of those who’ve gained weight are feeling unhappy with their appearances.

Whether you’ve gained weight during the pandemic, are experiencing body image issues, or you’ve simply forgotten what it’s like to invest in your personal appearance, these five tips from MyFitnessRoad.com will help you to look and feel your best as you navigate the rest of 2021.

1. Freshen up Your Living Space

Even if you plan on venturing out into the world a bit more now, you’ll probably continue to spend much of your free time at home. As such, it’s important to liven up your home and turn it into a positive and vibrant space — especially if tensions are high and you’ve been feeling overly critical, argumentative, or irritated. Try cleaning and decluttering the home from top to bottom, opening the windows and blinds, and letting in some natural light and fresh air. 

2. Exercise from Home

Whether you’ve gained weight, are experiencing body image issues, or your mental health is suffering, a good exercise routine will benefit you physically, mentally, and emotionally. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular exercise eases depression and anxiety, improves mood, boosts energy levels, and promotes weight loss. Plus, online workouts are more popular than ever before! If you're looking for guidance with implementing an effective fitness and healthy eating routine that works with your schedule, connect with MyFitnessRoad.com to learn about how the Sensible Fitness Program can help you achieve good health and sustainable wellness.

3. Eat Nutritiously

Like exercise, the foods we eat have the power to uplift our mood, slim us down, boost our energy levels, and improve our head-to-toe health and well-being. Lean proteins are especially beneficial to those who are attempting to lose weight, as foods like chickpeas, hard-boiled eggs, and turkey keep us full for longer and help to prevent overeating.

4. Stay Stylish

How you look plays a big role in how you feel and present yourself to the world. And while you may not need to dress to the nines right now, it can be helpful to remain as stylish as possible — and follow your normal routine just as you normally would. Assemble a fashionable outfit for yourself, apply a bit of blush or bronzer, and wear the jewelry pieces that make you feel great in your skin. 

5. Work Toward Your Goals

Working on achieving your goals can seem overwhelming right now, but do try to stick to them. Meeting goals can give you a sense of accomplishment, and overcoming obstacles such as circumstances brought on by the pandemic can make those goals even more rewarding. Whether you want to boost your wellness or get a degree, there are online tools and resources that can help you on your path to success. For example, institutes like the University of Phoenix offer programs that allow you to earn your master's degree online. You can also choose a start date if you're not ready to begin the courses right away.

Step Outside With Confidence

Sweatshirts and joggers are certainly comfortable, but when we’re wearing them every single day, our moods and emotions can suffer. However, stylish clothing, healthy eating, regular exercise, a few positive changes to our living space, and professional services can all help us to look and feel our absolute best — whether we’re staying home or venturing out.

Kim Thomas is on a mission to advocate for those suffering from chronic disease. She was inspired to create US Health Corps after her uncle was diagnosed with heart disease as a result of his lifelong struggle with obesity. When she is not writing about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, she can be found crafting, sewing and hiking with her husband and two sons.