The rapid spread and emergence of COVID-19, a novel Coronavirus, has forever altered the world. The worldwide physical health crisis is a global outbreak of monstrous proportions. It has affected virtually every aspect of daily life, both personally and professionally.
Everyone is worried about uncertainty, financial instability and other issues. We must also focus on our own health and wellbeing.
Staying at home, and avoiding social contact has had an important positive effect on “flattening” the curve. However, it has also resulted in more that just cabin fever among those of us who have been stuck indoors and away from our families. This can have a negative impact on our mental and physical health.
This guide will show you how to better take care of yourself in the event of a pandemic. Let’s get started.
Get Off the Couch
Sedentary lifestyles are bad for your health. Netflix is calling your name. Do yourself a favour and start moving. It’s not just about looking good. Physical activity can also make you feel good. Exercise has been shown by research to increase “feel-good” endorphins like dopamine and serotonin.
You don’t need to go to the gym. Walking, jogging, hiking, yard work, games with your kids and other physical activities are all good. Want to explore the outdoors and get some Vitamin D, which has been shown to improve immunity? Use a weather site like World Weather Online to help you plan your outdoor activities for the week based on your local conditions.
Are you looking for more traditional exercises to do? You can find many creative ideas online. There are many ways to get creative online.
Snack for a Purpose
We get it. We understand. They are also cheap, easily accessible, and convenient to eat while watching TV or surfing the internet. These fatty, fried snacks, which are sugary and sodium-laden, do more harm than they do good. These snacks cause blood sugar spikes, which can lead to “crashes”, increase cholesterol and blood pressure, and leave us feeling bloated.
Mix it up by using a variety of fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed, natural foods. Explore a variety of healthy and delicious options that are unique, tasty, and satisfying.
Remember that if you are less active at home, then your caloric requirements may also have decreased. So keep an eye on both the mirror and scale.
Spend a little “you” time every day
We’ve all been focused on others. From family to co-workers, we’ve done our part to ensure that everyone is safe, supported and “ok”. We often forget to check in on ourselves.
It only takes a couple of minutes each day to get yourself centered and spend some time with yourself.
Take 10-30 minutes daily for:
- Audiobooks
- Journaling
- Read a book
- Enjoying your favorite hobby
Sleeping the right amount
Sleep is a vital aspect of physical and mental well-being that is often overlooked. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association (pre-COVID), 70% of Americans reported not getting enough sleep at least once a month. 11% said they did it nightly.
Sleeping the right amount is important because:
- Optimal immune health
- Stress and anxiety can be reduced
- Energy efficiency is improved
- Memory and cognition improved
- A feeling of overall well-being
- More…
Sleeping regularly and getting a good night’s sleep can help establish a sense normalcy, control and reduce anxiety and stress.
Do you have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep at night? Here are a few tips…
- Try yoga or meditation before bed
- Eat nothing at least one hour before you go to bed
- Keep your room as dark as possible
- Turn off all electronics or place them out of sight and reach (smartphones, etc.).
- Relaxing breathing exercises
- Listen to relaxing melodies or white noise
- Try some chamomile tea
A good posture goes a long way
We spend more time sitting in chairs or other positions that are not ideal for our support. Correct posture can reduce eye, neck and back strain, as well as mental fatigue.
Follow these simple steps:
- Adjust the monitor to the eye level.
- Position yourself in a sitting position, with your legs and arms parallel to floor.
- Sit upright and with your shoulders relaxed but back.
Final Thoughts
It is easy to forget the importance of our mental and physical health in these times. During this period of uncertainty and increased stress, it is important to take care of your own well-being. This guide will help you regain control of your health, and take steps to a healthier you.
