Eat, Hydrate and Rest

Navigating big life changes isn’t easy — and it’s completely normal to feel off balance. When routines shift, things like regular meals, hydration and sleep can fall by the wayside. Stress can sneak in and make it even harder to stay on track. But small self-care habits can make a big difference. Here’s how to support your health and well-being, even during times of transition.

Eat Healthy Food

It’s tempting to eat a lot of junk food when stressed — or to eat less overall. Eating regular, healthy meals will help keep your energy up, boost your immunity and help you feel better.

Whatever you're going through, it’s important to fill half your plate with fruit and veggies. And consider these nutrition tips:

• Choose frozen or canned fruits and vegetables if you’re trying to limit trips to the grocery store. Just watch out for added sodium, and avoid fruits packaged in syrup. To reduce the sodium in canned vegetables, rinse them off with water before cooking. Learn more about how to read a food label from the FDA.
• If you find yourself skipping meals or eating meals at unusual times, try setting a schedule and sticking to it. Set alarms on your phone to help establish a routine.
• Although it’s frustrating if your grocery store runs low on staples or doesn’t have something you usually buy, it gives you the chance to experiment and try something new. No white flour? Try a whole-wheat recipe. No eggs? Eat yogurt for protein instead.
• If you stress eat, especially salty or sweet foods with less nutritional value, buy fewer of those things and substitute healthier snacks, such as whole fruit, carrots and hummus or low-sodium nuts. If you’re stress eating when you’re not hungry, think about things you can do instead.
• If you drink alcohol or use marijuana, moderation is still important. And, as always, don’t drive under the influence.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water each day can help you feel better physically, think more clearly and even lose weight. Water is vital for almost every bodily function, such as maintaining blood volume, proper circulation, temperature regulation, and joint and kidney function.

When your routine changes, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water. The amount of water each person needs vary based on age, activity level and other health conditions. Let your thirst be your guide.

Try these tips to stay hydrated:

• Add fruit, such as lemons or limes, to your water to jazz up the taste
• Drink water at meals
• Keep a water bottle at your desk, couch or table – wherever you’re sitting
• Take a water bottle when you're active outdoors
• Use an app that tracks water consumption

Get Enough Sleep

If you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, you’re in good company. Stress can have a huge impact on sleep. You can do many things for a better night’s sleep, including sticking to a routine and avoiding screen time before bed.