Self-care is a major part of our life, but now that we are facing a global health crisis due to the coronavirus outbreak, certain lifestyle changes are in order. If you’re already in quarantine or isolation, you understand the tension and pressure that can build up in such an environment. Add to that, the ongoing deluge of coronavirus-related news doesn’t make it any easier for you not to focus on the negative outcomes and other issues.
For some, this might be the perfect wake-up call to consider their health needs more seriously and to take the necessary preventative steps to stay safe and healthy. In addition to all the recommendations experts have been giving us over the past several weeks, you can do more on your own by working on your physical and mental wellbeing more actively. Here are a few suggestions that can make a difference.
Adapt your exercise routine
If you can work from home, you can definitely get active at home, too! Just like it can be challenging to adapt to the idea of working at the dining table or tuning out the kids when you have a conference call with the team, it might take some time to figure out the best exercise scenario in your own home. What’s vital to remember is that your training program is one of the most essential investments in your health now as well as tomorrow.
For starters, you can follow free YouTube guides with bodyweight workout circuits to keep things simple and streamlined. Then, you can actually use resistance bands to keep things challenging for your body, and you can always vary your activities by introducing a few dance sessions with your partner and kids, jumping rope, or any other fun option you can safely perform at home.
Look for the right insurance
Let’s face it: sometimes we need help battling our health troubles, and this is where medical experts come into play. If there’s one preventative step that can put your mind at ease, that would be selecting a policy of health insurance that will ensure proper care just in case anything goes awry. Just knowing that you’re taken care of is more than enough to then focus on the things that are directly within your power to change, including your diet, exercise, and self-care.
This is no time to rush, so it’s best to check detailed health insurance compare sites that collect and revise the most recent policies available, so that you can pick the one that makes the most sense for your budget and your health. No need to jump at the first offer on the table, on the contrary, the crisis should motivate you to select the best your system has to offer.
Work on your immune system
You now finally have the time on your hands to refine your diet, cook all of your meals at home, and avoid junk food at all costs. Choosing nutrient-dense ingredients such as antioxidant-packed berries and fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help you keep your body strong during this crisis, which will also impact your confidence.
Instead of pure panic, you can talk to a professional nutritionist and seek advice on how to tweak your diet in the months to come depending on your specific circumstances. Building up your immune system will give you the peace of mind you need to sail through this crisis, and it’s an essential long-term investment in your wellbeing.
Banish stress with meditation and breathing
It’s safe to say that you’re well-informed by now, considering the many news outlets and scientific portals together with the WHO constantly publishing updates. Even though the right measures are in place, it’s not too strange to see that people are experiencing anxiety due to this health crisis. It can manifest itself as insomnia, occasional anxiety attacks, stress-induced eczema, and a wide array of other health issues.
So, the best approach here is to tackle the underlying issue instead of mitigating one consequence at a time: become more resilient to stress. You can start meditating a few times per day, enriching your sessions with affirmations to banish negative thoughts. Add a few breathing exercises before sleep, some soothing scented candles in the bedroom, read an empowering book, and you’ll fill your time with self-affirming actions that will help you feel better.
Social distancing might be tough on you right now, but considering the effect such behavioural changes can have on your community, it’s a small commitment to make for the greater good. Amidst that chaos and stress, you can stay calm, and implement these and other preventative steps to keep yourself and those around you safe and healthy.
