The coronavirus has put everyone’s lives to a halt. In the early months of 2020, we have been shaken by the news of a pandemic that has now reached 2.75 million deaths worldwide. 125 million people have been affected by the virus and a lot of economies went down as fast as the virus has spread.
A lot of countries went on lockdown and now, a year later, even as vaccines start to roll out, new problems of reinfection, second waves, mutation, and new variants of the coronavirus became the bigger problems we face.
In these times of crisis, one of the realizations that hit a lot of people is making sure their physical and mental health is intact. The uncertainty of our future made people focus on the present.
How do we make sure that despite this pandemic, we can still take good care of ourselves?
Personal development, despite the ongoing lockdowns and crisis, is still important because it is what makes us grow and become better versions of ourselves, and with it naturally comes the importance of taking good care of our physical health, not only to avoid getting infected with the coronavirus but to ensure that we can get the most out of life.
With the current work and study from home set- up, a lot of people have become less active. Here are a few tips on how to make sure that despite the new normal, you can still have a healthy lifestyle:
1. Keep a positive mindset
A healthy body is important, but in recent years, experts have come to acknowledge that mental health is just as important as well. Stress can always be manageable with a positive outlook on things. Keeping a positive mindset does not only mean looking at things more positively but it is knowing how to cope.
Coping mechanisms are strategies that can help you face difficult stresses in life. We use coping mechanisms every day even without us actively thinking about it! But the best coping mechanism for stress is problem-solving. Know the root of your stressor and find ways to work around it.
If you think that you are depressed, anxious, or have problems mentally or psychologically, find a professional to help you before it’s too late.
2. Move and exercise!
Staying inside our house can feel depressing and the sudden change from our normal life can bring a lot of undesirable feelings. Exercise can help improve your mood! You don’t need to go outside to exercise. A lot of exercise videos are available for you to access.
If exercising via a video is not for you, you can always increase your physical activity by other means like walking around the house while on the phone or even buying exercise equipment that would best suit you.
According to Phoenix varicose veins specialists, staying on your seat for a long period of hours can cause diseases like varicose veins but this can be avoided by making sure that you get enough physical activities.
3. Choose your food
Even pre-pandemic, eating healthy is the number one most important factor that decreases the risk of getting diseases like heart attack or diabetes. Eating healthy may sound overrated but what we put in our body determines how our body reacts to it.
Getting food deliveries is easier now and with it means a lot of choices. Choose food that is both fulfilling and healthy. Know where your food is coming from. The best hormone doctor in Scottsdale suggests that it would be best to develop a nutrition plan to improve the quality of your life.
4. Talk it out
The stress of this pandemic has led to a lot of people becoming depressed and anxious. Talk to a significant other, a family member, or a friend if you feel like you need help.
If this is not possible, seek professional help immediately.
A lot of people who are depressed or anxious have improved with behavioral and cognitive therapies, even medications. All you have to do is show up and talk it out. Life is too stressful to carry the burden alone. Ask for help because things are always better than it seems and another person’s perspective can always help.
5. Meditate
Meditation has a lot of forms and a lot of benefits. You don’t need an expensive class or instructor to meditate! A lot of free apps are available on your phone and they can guide you on how to start meditating.
Meditation has been shown to improve sleep, stress, and anxiety and even lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
6. Get enough sleep
Sleep is your recharge and getting enough of it would mean that you give your body the reset it needs. Sleep can boost your mind by improving your memory. It also improves your mood and helps you see things more positively.
Sleep also decreases the risk for cardiovascular diseases like hypertension. When you sleep, your blood pressure goes down. Even your blood sugar level goes down when sleeping because there is less intake and also less need for insulin production. Aim for at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.
7. Try new hobbies or learn a new skill
Being stuck inside our homes and the lack of outside activities means more time to try new hobbies and skills. Learn a new language or sign up for short courses online.
A lot of universities also offer free short courses that provide certificates that can level up your resume the next time you are applying for a job.
Find things that interest you so that you can learn a skill and at the same time improve yourself despite the current situation.
With the current pandemic, it is difficult to say when it will completely end and when we can go back to our normal lives. Be kind to yourself, take it one day at a time.
If there is anything that this pandemic has taught us, it is to take better care of ourselves because the virus chooses no color, race, or social status when it comes to who gets infected.
