Health and Wellness During the Pandemic

During this strange and unsettling time, a lot of us are trying to get used to a new normal which involves spending a lot more time than usual in the home. Whether you are social distancing, self-isolating or cocooning, your health and wellbeing doesn’t have to suffer. Follow our tips to keep well in both body and mind.

 

Spend Time in the Kitchen

 

How often do we complain that we don’t have time to cook healthy meals in day to day life? Now is a great time to spend some time in the kitchen making healthy and delicious food for yourself and your family. It’s a good time to use up food that has been sitting in the freezer or lurking at the back of the cupboards. Healthy ingredients such as lentils, quinoa and dried fruit can help to build your immune system so why not look up a recipe and try something new?

 

Baking can be a wonderful and relaxing way to spend some time. Kids will also love getting involved and it is a great way to keep them occupied! Baking does not have to mean sugary and unhealthy treats. Try our simple but delicious porridge bread with pumpkin seeds. Oats and seeds are a fantastic source of heart healthy fibre.

 

Shopping for Supplies

 

We are all consciously limiting how often we are going out to buy food, if at all. All of our shops are open with limited opening hours. Our shops are small, allowing us to practice the most stringent health and safety guidelines and to limit the amount of people in the shop at any one time. We stock lots of pantry essentials allowing you to stock up on supplies at home. Some of the wonderful producers that we stock include Derrycamma oils, Homespun cereals, Gubbeen meats and Butler’s Organic Eggs. Of course, we also have our handmade meals, cakes and breads to see you through.

 

We are delighted to offer home delivery which is especially necessary in these times for elderly and vulnerable people. Your order of fresh food will be sent to your home direct from our kitchen via DPD delivery. You can opt for contactless delivery where the package will be left on your doorstep and the driver will move away but wait to ensure that you receive it safely. You can find our meal packs here.

 

Keep on Moving

 

It is important to stay active where possible to help to boost your immune system and stay as healthy as possible during isolation. At the moment, we are permitted to go up to 2km from your house for exercise daily. A brisk walk or jog allows you to get some fresh air and can do wonders for your mental health. If you are not in a position to leave your house, perhaps you could sit in the garden or on your balcony. Some light gardening is a great healthy hobby. There are lots of online resources offering at home workout classes which you can do from the comfort of your own living room. Why not try something new, like a yoga class on YouTube?

 

 

Mind your Mind

 

Many people are experiencing loneliness or anxiety during this uncertain period. It can be hard when we don’t know how long this pandemic will go on for and when life will get back to normal. We all need human contact so there is no better time to reach out to a friend or family member over the phone or Skype. You could do something together like have a coffee break or even eat a meal together to make you feel like you are together!

 

We know this is a worrying time but we are all working together to get through this and out the other side. Try to remain positive and upbeat and enjoy this downtime – read a book, watch a movie and eat delicious food! Above all stay healthy and safe. We can’t wait to welcome you back to our shops soon.