Adjusting to big life changes can be difficult for everyone. Having routines and schedules unsettled can disrupt mealtimes and decrease your water intake. It’s also common to lose sleep because of added stress. Learn how keep your health on track with these self-care habits.

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. In addition, 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.

When you go the grocery store, sanitize or wash your hands before you go in and again when you leave. This is one of the best ways to keep yourself and others from getting sick. Also, try to maintain distance between yourself and other shoppers. Wear a mask. Always cough or sneeze into your elbow. Don’t go out if you’re sick. Ask a family member or neighbor to help you shop, or try a delivery service.

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.

As you spend more time indoors and away from normal routines, 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.

To be sure you get enough water:

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

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.