How to live through a pandemic? There’s no rulebook for living life through a pandemic. Even scientists and researchers are learning new things about the COVID-19 virus every day. While it might feel like the impact of the coronavirus is advancing in a new direction, there are some states with low and falling cases. Not only this but experts are allowing outdoor activities and providing people with alternatives to strict quarantine measures. Plus we are at a stage where we know a lot of things about the coronavirus.
However, as people try to return to regular life, some things will not change even after the virus subsides. The most important one is your healthy habits. Despite the risk and the authorities embracing a harm reduction policy to sustain the economy of the country, a healthy lifestyle will enable you to fight the coronavirus. The reason why we will discuss 5 healthy habits that you need to adopt while you navigate your life through the pandemic.
Be Wary Of Mindless Eating
This is quite true if you live in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic. As you spend more and more days confined within the four walls of your room, you are bound to lay your hands on unhealthy fast food. Be it a bag full of chips or your fridge filled with your favorite food items. It is easy to engage in food habits that allow you to comfortably slouch on the couch in front of your TV.
However, you have to take note that it is super easy to walk up to a fridge or pantry to grab a snack. The only thing that matters is how mindfully you eat and what you put inside your stomach. For instance, every time you head towards the fridge ask yourself a few questions intentionally. Are you hungry? How are you feeling? What is the right kind of food you need? You might need a little food to comfort yourself or you just want to distract yourself from the boredom. So, instead of grabbing an unhealthy snack, fuel your body with fruits and other healthy foods. Also, if you are not that hungry, but bored, Facetime a friend or watch something on Netflix to help change your mind.
Check-in With Yourself
Advocating healthy lifestyle habits is easier than practicing them in real life. However, given the fact that individuals with strong immunity can outrun the virus. It becomes even more important to take care of our physical and mental health. After all, loss of work, regular routines, and tremendous pressure to keep a brave face are little things that deteriorate mental health. In fact, the people working on the front lines also have an added amount of pressure. This is why it is necessary to check-in with yourself and especially with the losses you are facing in life.
According to a health expert, the best way to go about it is by accepting the loss, mourning it, and then checking out of that emotion. In other words, you have to listen to what your mind and body needs. You might not acknowledge that you want to go see a friend or interact with the neighbors because these are frantic times. And you feel this is best for everybody. But, it is vital to grant yourself some solace of mind. Simply put, you have to acknowledge your loss and check out of it to lead a balanced life.
Stay Physically Active
You have to move your body. You cannot use isolation and quarantine as an excuse to stay in front of the TV screen all day. This scenario will deteriorate your health over a certain period of time. So, make sure that you are moving your body. This doesn’t mean that you have to go through a 90-minute intense workout plan every day. You can simply stay active by performing daily household chores. Not only this but you can also set health goals. For instance, walking outside for at least 20 minutes every day. After all, a walk outside in nature will help you appreciate nature while you can get off the laptop screen to relax for a while.
Sleep Sufficiently
It is a no brainer. You have to sleep in order to function properly. A solid eight hours of sleep will help you stay fit and motivated throughout the day. So, don’t forget to prioritize your sleep. We all have plenty of time in our hands, but it is vital to sleep early and rise early to help your mind get the rest it needs. In fact, instead of binge-watching a Netflix series, manage your time and watch some episodes in the day time. This will allow you time to sleep soundly and peacefully at night.
In case you are dealing with stress or insomnia during the lockdown period and you find it hard to have sufficient sleep, finding a natural supplement might be a smart decision. Recently, CBD oil has been researched by high- quality study to be beneficial in reducing anxiety level and increasing the quality of sleep. You can find an answer here, which has been conducted from various researches.
Remain Socially Connected
The WHO uses the term physical distancing instead of social distancing. This means that while you have to physically stay at a distance from your neighbors and strangers in the street. It doesn’t mean that you have to disconnect yourself socially. So, make sure you connect with your friends on video calls and look for ways to engage in virtual social activities. For example, you can throw a virtual dinner party. Connect with your relatives and friends over Zoom or Skype calls and have a grand virtual dinner party. You can also help your kids take dancing and singing classes online or simply unburden your time by connecting with friends via a video chat.
All in all, these activities will help you stay active and healthy. In the case of a medical emergency do not forget to get in touch with local medical authorities. For instance, a local Santa Ana Medical Clinic or a medical institution in Los Angeles.