The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in ways we least anticipated, which have become the new normal. The pandemic took a toll on most of us, having affected the entire food systems, public health, work culture, and the list goes on. It has led to the dramatic crash of the domestic and international food supply chains causing disrupted access to healthy, safe, and diverse diets.
We still tend not to go out often to have minimum exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. Nevertheless, there are certain ways to keep yourself fit during this pandemic.
Mask up
This is the first and foremost step to be taken care of. Never forget to put on a mask when leaving your house. Also, when living with unvaccinated persons, it is strongly advised to wear a mask even inside. Masks are designed to keep the wearer safe from contact with droplets or spray that may contain germs.
Get vaccinated
COVID-19 vaccines are significantly effective and notably lower the risk of contracting and spreading the COVID-19 virus. It also protects people from becoming extremely unwell if they are infected with the virus.
Adequate sleep
Good sleep can benefit your immune system. Hence, reduces the risk of being infected. Sleep deprivation weakens the body’s defense system, making people more susceptible to virus infection.
Meditation
It might not come easily to everyone. It takes some time and practice to develop concentration and inner peace. You can prevent stress hormones like cortisol by making them a part of your daily life.
Stay physically active
Regular physical activity will boost your immune system. During the day, take short activity breaks. It could be dancing to your favorite music, playing with kids/pets, doing yoga, sports, performing domestic chores, gardening, or any other means that keep you active at home. Walk or jog whenever, wherever possible, even in small places. Stand or walk around while you speak over the phone, instead of sitting down. Interrupt sitting and reclining time every thirty minutes, if possible. Maintain 1 – meter distance from other people if going out for a walk or exercise. Follow online exercise classes as well. Many of these videos may be found for free on YouTube. Make good use of it and consider exercising as a way to stay healthy during this trying time.
Diet & nutrition
Make it a habit to eat more whole nutritious and healthy food instead of processed snacks and fast food. Fresh ingredients, as well as those with a shorter shelf life, should be used. Practice a well-balanced, low-fat diet rich in vitamins, fiber, and minerals by eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, fresh fruit juices, herbal drinks, and turmeric milk, to stay hydrated. Make a healthy choice of diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, moderate in sugar and salt. And most importantly, restrict alcohol consumption, and smoking.
Self-care
Set aside some time to pamper yourself. Indulge in activities that make you happy and feel good about yourself. Your mental well-being is equally important as your physical well-being. So, give yourself a little love. There is nothing wrong with putting yourself first and showering some personal care. Learning to balance your life with some time for yourself can pay you handsomely in the form of a positive attitude and improved health.
Stress and anxiety management
Having maintained a healthy lifestyle, including proper diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, reading only reliable sources of information on the pandemic, and minimizing news consumption, stress, and anxiety issues can be brought under control. Also, learn new skills to lift happiness, build confidence and self-esteem to alleviate the depressive symptoms. The thoughts of fear and stress are quite natural, especially during this pandemic, but do not allow them to control you.
Healthcare upkeep
If you have been taking any drugs, make sure to take them as prescribed. Hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and other chronic illnesses should be monitored on a regular basis. Reach out to your health care practitioner and seek medical advice whenever necessary. Never self-medicate. Many of them have put off checkups in the fear of covid exposure, which could lead to another sickness.
Stay connected
You are spending a lot of time at home these days. Make the most of this time with your family by spending quality time with them. Because you have never really had a chance to be at home all this time. Eat and cook meals with your family, watch movies with them, take a break from social media for a while and make memories. Utilize the multitude of technologies to keep in touch with your friends and dear ones as well. Consider this pandemic as an opportunity to reconnect with your loved ones with whom you may have lost connection owing to a hectic lifestyle prior to the outbreak. Exploit these modern capabilities to foster fellowship, companionship, and camaraderie.
Take a deep breath and remind yourself that this too shall pass. When all required safeguards for physical, mental, and social well-being are implemented, an individuals’ well-being and quality of life are ensured. We are much stronger than we know. We have already accomplished a great deal in our lives. Likewise, we shall get through this as well, one day at a time with the right mindset and meticulous planning. Hoping for us all! A healthy way of life can help us thrive for the rest of our lives.
