4 ways to stay healthy close to home

The COVID-19 pandemic means that many of us are staying home more than we used to, possibly avoiding crowds at the gym or isolating socially to keep a safe physical distance from others. Both of these things, while advantageous in avoiding COVID, can have a negative effect on our physical and mental health.

Since February is National Heart Month, we are sharing some tips to keep you healthy, even if you are staying close to your American Legend home:

“Take a hike” at a local park: While the DFW area isn’t known for hiking, there are areas close to several American Legend communities that are perfect for an afternoon or weekend hike. And being outdoors in wide-open spaces makes it easy to social distance. Located on the western border of Plano, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a 200-acre park which is perfect for walking, jogging and hiking, and the park’s observation tower offers a stunning view of the city. Spring Creek Trail in Richardson is a 4.5-mile heavily wooded and looping trail and North Shore Trail in Grapevine is one of the most popular hiking trails in North Texas. It runs for 9 to 10 miles and offers moderately difficult terrain and beautiful views from the Lake Grapevine’s cliffs and shores. Find more DFW hikes convenient to your American Legend home here. Or, for a long walk even closer to home, read our community descriptions to find out about the trail systems in our American Legend Homes communities.

Make healthy food choices: According to the World Health Organization, eating a healthy diet can affect our body’s ability to prevent, fight and recover from infections. “While no foods or dietary supplements can prevent or cure a COVID-19 infection, healthy diets are important for supporting immune systems. Good nutrition can also reduce the likelihood of developing other health problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancer.” The WHO offers its most simple healthy eating tips here. Printing them out and putting them on the fridge in your American Legend kitchen makes them easy to remember! 

Practice yoga and meditation: Incorporating yoga and meditation into your daily routine has been shown to boost overall well-being and resilience to stress. Research also shows it can counter cognitive decline, have a positive effect on the immune system, improve lower back pain and decrease depression. Don’t know where to start? Put these videos on the flatscreen in your American Legend media room and give them a try!

Set goals for yourself: According to an article in Positive Psychology, “goal-setting can improve our mental health and our level of personal and professional success.” Setting goals helps create new and healthy behaviors, guides our focus and “promotes a sense of self-mastery.” Try it for yourself: set aside some time in your American Legend home office, come up with one goal you would like to attain and break that down into the realistic steps necessary to reach it. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you’re likely to feel inspired, challenged, encouraged and excited.  

Your American Legend home was “built for the way you live.” Take advantage of all your community and home have to offer in supporting a healthy lifestyle for you and your family, both mentally and physically. And check our blog often for more healthy living tips!