(6/2020) Many of us have been with our family more in the past few months than we had been in years. Being together is great but we are use to going to our jobs, school, out with friends or just having some time to ourselves. With the current situation in the world right now we may not have this personal time. I have a few suggestions to help you find some time to yourself or make the time you are with your family a pleasant and productive occasion.

Find an activity that the whole family enjoys. Of course, I am thinking of doing something that will get you moving and burning up some of the energy the kids have along with burning off some of the calories we may have consumed. Depending on where you live it may be a great time for a family walk or bike ride.

I see many more people on my road than I ever did before because they want to get out for some fresh air and exercise but still respect the restrictions of the times and the safety of others. The back yard is a great place for a ballgame, badminton match, basketball or just jogging around. Getting outside just seems to lift your spirits but even if you don't have an outside area, just moving sends those endorphins to your brain and you feel better.

Soon we will be able to open the windows and let the fresh air in. Turning your favorite workout on the TV or just dancing around makes you feel so good. The kids like to watch other people on social media posts but if you are not into that there are many things you can do while watching your favorite shows. Sit in your favorite chair and pretend you are riding a bike or each time a commercial comes on get up and walk around your house. Do some arm circles or reaching up like you are picking apples will keep your arms and shoulders moving.

Anything you can do to move your arms and legs is beneficial. Just pick one show in the morning and one in the afternoon to use as your exercise program. Doesn't have to be an exercise program, it can be the news you always watch or your favorite comedy. Just make a commitment to not watch unless you get some type of movement during the show. You will be amazed how good you feel from doing this each day. Start out slow and add a few minutes each time you tune in.

I have found that keeping a food log helps you to not over eat. Sometimes it surprises you when you look at how much you ate that day. Having to write everything down may make you think twice before putting that bite in your mouth. Planning your meals for the week will enable you to include a protein, vegetable, fruit and carbohydrates for each meal. This way you will be eating healthier and not just grabbing whatever is in the refrigerator. Planning meals helps you eat less calories and a better variety of healthy food.

Keeping an exercise and water log also ensures you get these important components of a healthy lifestyle in each day also. It's easy to get water when you are outside in the hot weather because we get thirsty but sometimes we forget to drink our water when we are inside most of the day. Getting enough water is not only important if you are trying to loose a few pounds but it is essential to our overall health.

Since we are made up of mostly water, we need to replenish our body's water to keep our organs and body functioning properly. Sometimes you may think you are hungry and reach for a snack when you are really just thirsty. Try drinking a glass of water first and maybe you'll find you don't need that snack after all. Of course, water has not calories but that snack may put you over the food intake for the day and eventually add a few pounds you don't want.

These are trying times right now and anything you can do to relieve stress, exercise your muscles and joints and bring joy to yourself and your family is so worth doing. All the suggestions I have in this article are things that don't cost anything but will bring so much benefit to family time, stress relief and health. I hope some new, healthy habits will come from this time of being confined to our homes.

I also hope the times of caring for our neighbors, family and friends continues as when we are able to get back to work and our daily lives. This confinement has given us time to think and be alone with ourselves and hopefully brought out a more caring and calm side of us.

Keep moving, even if it is in your livingroom, you'll be glad you did!