Published on March 31, 2020 at 14:44 / Updated on January 6, 2022 at 15:31

With the current situation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, all of our lives have been upheavaled. You may experience fear, anxiety and concern to some degrees. All of these emotions are perfectly normal; however, it is important for you to find healthy solutions to relax and pass the time.

Have you increased your alcohol consumption or are you eating more snacks?

Before the pandemic, some of you may have celebrated the arrival of the weekend with a glass of wine or a bowl of chips. Now, there seems to be more opportunities to drink alcohol or eat snacks—whether it’s to keep stress at bay or simply because of boredom. Your first reflex should always be to ask yourself these two questions: Do I really need this? Am I drinking or eating because of anxiety or because I am bored?

In order avoid excessive alcohol consumption and noshing on too many snacks, opt for activities that require your concentration or allow you to unwind in other ways. These activities will calm your stress and anxiety. Here are some suggestions:

  • Yoga
  • Meditation
  • Concentration games, such as Sudoku

To alleviate boredom and to stoke your energy, why not opt for dynamic activities, such as:

  • Walking outside
  • Training indoors (there are many videos available online for all types of workout preferences)
  • Board games

If you still feel like drinking or snacking, choose healthier options. For beverages, try alcohol-free versions of your favourite cocktails; you can find many mocktail recipes online. It can be fun tapping into your inner mixologist—all while cutting down on your alcohol consumption!

As always, drink in moderation. According to Éduc’Alcool, drinking in moderation means:

  • 2 drinks per day for women, without exceeding 10 drinks a week  
  • 3 drinks per day for men, without exceeding 15 drinks a week

For snacks, make sure you always have pre-cut vegetables on hand. You will be more likely to reach for veggies rather than chips if the prep work is already done! Nuts are also another option because a few go a long way to curb the munchies. Want to jazz things up? Try a popcorn makeover with delicious seasonings or healthy toppings.

During these trying times, take some time for yourself—and stay healthy!

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