Let’s face it: The past year has been tough. From living in lockdown to navigating tiers, working from the dining room table to being out on the frontline, there’s been a lot going on.

As well as feeling anxious about COVID-19 (coronavirus), chances are you’re feeling a little bit burnt out. Whether you’re struggling to handle your work-life balance or you’re stuck counting sheep at bedtime, we’ve got some tips and tricks to help see you through these (dare we say it!) unprecedented times.

​​​​​​​Stay active

You might not feel like heading to the gym right now, and that’s totally fine. From HIIT workouts to yoga, there’s plenty you can do to get your heart pumping from the comfort of your home.

However you choose to stretch, sprint, jog or jump, staying active is thought to boost sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of depression and dementia.

If your fitness mojo is MIA, why not check out the Fitbit Inspire? Not only does it record your steps (10,000 here we come), it also records active minutes, calories burned and distance covered. That’s not all! There’s the chance to get your game face on and challenge friends and family to a step contest. It’s a sure-fire way to get you up and at it!

Eat well

The temptation to raid the biscuit tin may be overwhelming, but eating a balanced, varied diet will help to keep your mood and energy high.

From being snack savvy (hello, 95 calorie SlimFast Chocolate Nutty Nougat Snack Bar) to squeezing in your five-a-day, there’s plenty you can do to help boost your general health and keep your immune system functioning at its best.

But remember, you don’t need to deprive yourself of the foods you love most. You can still tuck into your favourite treats every now and then, just remember that moderation is key.

Stay zen

Got the tier or quarantine blues? We know the feeling. Although things may seem pretty uncertain right now, it’s important to try and keep the good vibes flowing.

A great way to close the tabs in your brain is to meditate – think of it as exercise for your brain. If you don’t know where to start, don’t sweat it. We’ve got a Headspace six-month subscription gift card that’s sure to kick-start your mindfulness journey. Jam-packed with guided meditation sessions, the Headspace app teaches you life-changing skills in just a few minutes a day. What’s not to love?

Keep your mind active

Slipped into a hole of endless scrolling? Rather than spending every waking hour trawling through news apps or social media (we’re all guilty of it), it’s a great idea to try and keep your mind properly engaged.

Whether you read, write, bake (banana bread anyone?), complete a jigsaw or take up cross stitch, find something you enjoy and roll with it. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover a hidden talent?

Get some vitamin D

It's no secret that vitamin D is a powerhouse nutrient.

The sunshine vitamin has had a lot of attention in recent months, and for good reason – it helps to control the amount of calcium and phosphate in our bodies, which helps keep bones, teeth and muscles nice and healthy. That’s not all! It’s also great for supporting our immune systems.

Whether you’re a sun-seeker or a shade-bather, getting that daily dose of vitamin D can be tough (especially if you’re spending more time indoors at the moment).* To help ensure you’re getting the recommended daily amount (that’s 10µg, by the way), why not consider taking Boots Vitamin D 10mcg Tablets? You can also find some vitamin D in everyday foods like oily fish, milk, yoghurt, eggs, and cheese (yum!), but not enough to be able to rely on these sources alone.

Hit snooze

Raise your hand if your sleeping pattern has gone AWOL since coronavirus flooded the news. *Raises hand*

Getting a good night’s sleep can be challenging at the best of times, let alone in the midst of a pandemic.

Help set the scene for a good night’s slumber with This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray. Formulated with lavender, vetivert and camomile, this calming scent helps relax and soothe you to sleep. Spritzzzz.

Limit the booze

We all love a tipple from time to time but drinking alcohol regularly can wreak havoc with our health (not to mention the sore head in the morning). To help keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, try not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.

From having some alcohol-free days to discovering drink-free distractions, head this way for a mindful drinking masterclass.

There you have it. Seven simple steps you can take to help keep you feeling in tip-top condition while you’re spending more time at home.

^{Information correct at time of publication (12.01am 17/12/2020)}

^{*Always protect your skin with a suitable sun screen}