When you are stressed, it’s tempting to eat lots of junk food, stay in bed all day and binge-watch your favorite shows. This routine may comfort you for a day or two, but ultimately, it won’t help you adjust to the reality of life during the novel coronavirus pandemic. Rather than turning to unhealthy habits, use this time to set a new fitness regimen, and maintain it once your life goes back to normal.

Start a Diet

Even if you’re not overweight, watching what you eat is critical for a healthy life. Write down your eating habits every day, paying particular attention to how your consumption of fruits and vegetables compares to less healthy options such as chips and candy. Then, evaluate your diet and decide on a few steps that you can take to consume fewer calories and more nutrients. There are many different diets to try, and you can test a few different ones until you find one that you can sustain for a long time. Some are based solely on calorie reduction, while others involve the use of hormones, such as HCG drops for weight loss. No matter which option you choose, make yourself stick to it. No diet works if you are not disciplined.

Get Plenty of Sleep

When you don’t get enough sleep, you are more likely to be stressed. Stress is not only bad for your mental health; it also causes increased production of the hormone cortisol, which can lead to weight gain and other unpleasant side effects. Even if you no longer have to leave the house at a certain time for work, create a sleep schedule. It can be more relaxed than the one you’re used to, but you must give your body at least eight hours of sleep every night. For example, if you normally go to bed at ten and wake up at six, shift your schedule so that you go to bed at midnight and wake up at eight. Avoid naps throughout the day, since they make it harder for you to sleep at night.

Choose a Workout Routine

Gyms are closed across the country, but it’s still the perfect time to start working out. One of the healthiest and easiest exercises is simply walking around your neighborhood for half an hour each day. As you get used to the exercise, increase the length of your workout, or try a new form of cardio exercise such as running or biking. Doctors also recommend regular strength training for adults, but if you don’t have dumbbells or other equipment, don’t panic. Exercises that use your body weight, such as push-ups, squats and planks, are just as effective as curls and shoulder presses. You can also use items around your house, such as heavy books and milk cartons filled with water, to strengthen your muscles.

Don’t just sit in your house during your state’s shutdown; use the time to create a health regimen. You’ll get so used to this new lifestyle that you’ll be motivated to maintain it once you go back to work.