STAYING PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY HEALTHY WHILE COVID-19 HAS YOU STUCK AT HOME

Going back to basics, most health tips boil down to simple actions such as being hygienic, exercising, eating a balanced diet and getting adequate amount of sleep.

Especially during a pandemic like COVID-19, these behaviours are especially important for maintaining your physical and mental wellbeing.

Here’s how to stay healthy both mentally and physically while social distancing during the COVID-19 outbreak.

 

NUTRITION

Plan before you stock up on groceries. This ensures you pick up the right things, and to avoid panic-buying and wiping out community supplies. Before you add an item to cart, create your meal plan consisting of a starch, a protein and produce.

Now, more than ever, is a good time to buy fresh produce. You can always put them in the freezer and use them for months to come. Sturdy vegetables and starches like broccoli, Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes also keep for a long time outside the freezer.

If you do buy canned, dried or frozen goods, choose those low in saturated fat, salt and added sugars.

As far as nutrition goes, lastly, avoid boredom and stress eating. And if you must, choose to snack on healthier titbits such as fruits and nuts.

 

FITNESS

You may not be able to go to the gym, but it’s okay to walk, or work-out in the comfort of your home. Streaming services make it a little easier to stay active even when gyms and fitness studios are off-limits. In case you missed last month’s article we’ve listed some of The Best Fitness Apps to Keep You Well During the Coronavirus Lockdown.

 

Improvise, Improvise, Improvise!

Get creative and fill a tote or backpack for weights, dish towels for sliders (for exercises like lunges and mountain climbers) or a strong, steady chair for step-ups.

Take comfort in the fact that physical activity doesn’t have to mean a gym style workout. It could be everyday activities like walking, gardening and cleaning — any amount of movement you can squeeze in matters.

 

CLEANING

According to research, the virus that causes COVID 19 can survive on plastic and stainless-steel surfaces for up to 72 hours, cardboard for 24 hours and copper for 4 hours.

Hence, even in your own home, keep clean and hygienic by wiping down high-touch objects like doorknobs and faucets, in addition to regular household upkeep.

Washing your hand and bath towels regularly as well as removing your shoes as soon as you get home helps.

Decluttering is also crucial, especially if you live in a small space. It will make you feel good as decluttering makes your space feel larger and more comfortable, and even more so, less items to touch that could potentially transmit germs.

For an added peace of mind, there are now several Disinfectant and Sanitisation Solutions available for home and office owners. Using the right types of disinfectants regularly on surfaces throughout your facility is critical in helping prevent the spread of colds, flu, and other illnesses.

 

STRESS & SLEEP

Managing stress and anxiety is vital for getting adequate sleep—and getting adequate sleep is important for overall health.

Meditation and yoga are great tools for managing stress, and they can be done in a smaller space. You can also turn to apps like Headspace and Let’s Meditate for virtual mindfulness therapy.

Wellness environment also plays an important role – try setting aside an area in your home that’s free of technology, except for perhaps a speaker for music. Design your space with items that can calm you such as scented candles, indoor plants and cushions. Creating a quiet space to reflect, away from the over-exposure to the chaos, can help to decrease the anxiety.

If you’re working from home, as far as possible, designate separate areas for work and personal life in order to mentally separate components of your day.

Balance that quiet time with responsible social interaction, such as using WhatsApp or Line video call can help you feel less isolate when you’re alone at home.