CUT DOWN ON STRESS EATING, SET A ROUTINE AND FEEL HAPPIER IN LOCKDOWN (AND BEYOND)
by Chené Koscielny
Reaching for the biscuit tin every 20 minutes? Having wine every night? Tossing and turning and waking up tired? Feeling stressed?
As confinement drags on, your eating and sleep patterns may be negatively affected by an increase in stress and anxiety levels.
Add to that the fact that you’re not moving as much, may feel lonely and bored or may struggle, ironically, even more to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Andrea Barrios, a Geneva-based Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, shares 5 tips for maintaining healthy routines and staying sane in lockdown.
GET A FREE 25-MINUTE CONSULTATION with Andrea to help you set a healthy routine, manage stress, improve sleep, or eat better during this difficult time.
5 WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS, SLEEP BETTER AND STAY SANE IN SELF-ISOLATION
1. A PEACEFUL BEDTIME
Be sure to go to bed at the same time every night – and as you’re probably spending more time on screen than usual, try to switch off screens for at least an hour or two before bedtime – choosing maybe to read a book or take a relaxing bath instead.

2. BYE-BYE CHARDONNAY

Cut down on alcohol – as tempting and comforting as it is, that extra glass of Chardonnay will not only pile on weight that you may struggle to lose after all of this is over, but it will affect your morale, sleeping patterns and overall well-being. Opt for a glass of fizzy water with lemon juice and ice or another healthy alternative – at least every other night.
3. HEALTHY GRAZING
Consider switching to healthier snacks – snacking is normal as we feel fidgety and anxious, but try to stock up on healthier snacks and have healthy snacks on hand for the family such as veggies, cut fruit and nuts.

4. BOOST YOUR ENERGY

Fight lethargy – you may not feel much like exercise, but force yourself to do at least 20 minutes of activity a day – whether it’s an online fitness or yoga class or maybe just working in the garden or walking around the block – if that’s still allowed where you are.
Even vacuuming the house or mopping the floor is exercise!
5. SET LIFETIME GOALS YOUR ENERGY
Make lifetime changes – now is the time to contemplate your lifestyle and kick-start a healthier way of living. Set realistic health goals to correspond with your age and life.

NEED HELP?
WANT TO FEEL HAPPIER, HEALTHIER AND MORE BALANCED?

As a professional health coach – Andrea can help you set in motion the changes to sustain a healthier life
If you are serious about changing your life and becoming the best version of yourself, her 6–month programme could help you achieve these goals.
What’s included in the 6-month PERSONAL HEALTH PLAN:
- Initial, mid-programme and final health assessment.
- Bi-monthly sessions and personalised accompaniments (online or in person)
- A personalised programme with tailored advice and support based on your individual needs: This could include recipes, handouts, and pantry assessments (once the lockdown is over), among other things.
DURING the lockdown period – get a 25% discount on the 6-month Personal Health Plan. Find out more when you join Andrea for your free 25-minute personal consultation.
GET A FREE 25-MINUTE CONSULTATION with Andrea to help you set a healthy routine, manage stress, improve sleep and eat better during this difficult time
WHO IS ANDREA BARRIOS?
Andrea, who hails from Mexico, holds a health-coaching diploma from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York.
“I look at health in a holistic and individual manner: eating well, exercising, but also good quality sleep, stress management, healthy relationships, experiencing joy and having hobbies.”
Andrea, who became a health coach after overcoming personal health problems such as anaemia, insomnia and anxiety, helps clients to reach health goals, including reducing stress, increasing energy, losing weight, and improving their confidence by supporting them in their food and lifestyle choices.
