The end of the pandemic may already be in sight. However, we still need to take care of ourselves to avoid getting sick. Aside from our physical health, we should also take care of our mental health. The uncertainty of the situation has caused many of us to become anxious and stressed.
Physical distancing and self-isolation can help people stay healthy. However, we can also do other things to avoid getting sick until everything goes back to normal. Here are some things you can do in the middle of a health crisis.
Have a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is important to keep ourselves healthy and energized. A healthy diet can improve the immune system and allow the body to fight viruses. You should include fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains in your diet.
You should also keep yourself hydrated and avoid drinking a lot of caffeine during the day. Instead of black tea and coffee, you can try out herbal tea. Not only is it healthy, but it can also regulate your energy levels. Herbal tea can also improve your digestion and helps you sleep better.
While following a balanced diet, it also does not hurt if you treat yourself once in a while. Go for options that are low in calories but are still tasty. For instance, instead of rewarding yourself with high-sugar and high-sodium snacks, you can try lighter pastries, such as Italian cookie pizzelles.
Exercise Whenever Possible
Exercising is another way for people to stay healthy during a pandemic. While many people are still wary about working out inside gyms and fitness centers, you can still get your daily dose of exercise at home or around your neighborhood.
You can perform simple yet effective exercises at home, including push-ups, sit-ups, and planks. You can use items at home as weights, including canned goods, water bottles, and even books. Practicing yoga or pilates is also good for improving your stability and strength.
If you plan to jog around the neighborhood, don’t forget to follow health protocols to avoid getting infected. Wear your mask properly and avoid people who are not part of your household. Walking is another option to improve your cardiovascular fitness without using any special equipment.
Practice Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness helps you focus on what you are feeling at the moment. As a result, you pay more attention to yourself and how you are currently feeling. Doing mindfulness exercises even for a few minutes every day helps you refocus your thoughts.
This type of meditation does wonders for our physical and mental health. It does not need to be complicated, and you can incorporate it into anything you are doing. For instance, you can savor the food you are eating at a certain moment. All you need to do is to find a comfortable position to avoid getting distracted from what you are currently doing.
Mindful breathing also allows you to achieve inner peace. This practice can calm your mind as you focus on your breath, allowing you to slow down. Slow breathing also helps your parasympathetic nervous system, which regulates the functions in our body while we are resting.
Mindful thinking allows you to deal with any negative thoughts and feelings you may be having. This way, you can acknowledge your emotions without reacting to them.
You can also supplement these exercises with other activities, such as painting or making a journal. Talking to other people can also help.
Connect with Other People
Keeping yourself mentally healthy is important in a pandemic where we have isolated ourselves by staying at home. The developments in technology have made it easier for us to connect with others even if they are living in different parts of the country.
Video conferencing apps allow us to communicate with anyone around the world. We can also connect with other people through social media. These technologies have immensely helped us cope during this pandemic.
Stay Informed
You should also stay informed about any developments around the world. However, you should make sure you get your information from reliable sources. A video-sharing site may not be the best source of information unless the video cites its sources and posts links to those sources. You can check the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for credible and up-to-date information about the current state of the health crisis.
Staying healthy during the pandemic may be challenging, but it is not impossible to do. Following these tips can help your well-being as we go through these trying times.
