5 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle This Pandemic
The year 2020 is like no other. We have seen so much loss in different aspects. And while it seems dire, hope is on the horizon with the release of vaccines, which have now been administered in countries like the US and UK. Other vaccines are underway, and each country is gearing up for vaccination schemes to be implemented across their territories.
While we wait it out until the day that we can hug each other again, you can continue building on all the gains you have acquired during the pandemic—whether it be financial, physical, emotional, or mental gains. Here are some ways by which you can maintain a healthy lifestyle during this pandemic.
How to maintain a healthy lifestyle this pandemic
Table of Contents
1. Take it one day at a time
These are extraordinary times, so do not feel bad at all for not achieving everything you set out to do. You were putting fires out left and right, and the best thing you could do for yourself is to know when to take a step back. Instead of overwhelming yourself with details about the past or being anxious about the future, try to focus on the present so you can work towards bettering yourself.
You can be more focused in the present moment by trying to ground yourself. Essentially, engaging in practices that can help balance your physical, emotional, mental, as well as emotional well-being. If, for example, you are going through a major emotional crisis, you can practice a variety of grounding techniques that can help you achieve holistic health.
2. Move your body
If you are able, always make time for physical activity that will allow you to move and challenge your body regularly. Humans are made to move, climb mountains, dance—move in ways that will enable us to survive in this chaotic world.
Even the World Health Organization is campaigning for people of all abilities to stay active as much as possible and working toward achieving that goal on a massive scale with their Be Active campaign.
While not everybody affords the same amount of free time while isolating at home, having the right mindset will surely help you carve out some time in your busy weeks to put in some exercise. Starting slowly with the end goal in mind is vital to keep one going even on the most challenging days.
Physical activity will benefit both body and mind. It can decrease the risk of high blood pressure, promote healthy weight management, and prevent diseases like heart diseases and certain types of cancers that further increase the risk of contracting COVID-19.
Maintaining a regular exercise schedule will also help keep depression and cognitive decline at bay. Even a 30-minute stroll out at the nearest park can do wonders for your heart and brain health.
You have probably found yourself staring at your smartphone scrolling endlessly on socials on many days this quarantine. Keep in mind that social media has been optimized to keep you hooked and addicted.
Notification features have provided us with the means to incessantly distract ourselves through the best content we could get our hands on. Improved technology means easier access to socials, which, unfortunately, may wreak havoc on one’s mental state in different ways.
Try to create some digital discipline within yourself and your household. Going on a social media fast and regulating its use altogether will help you stay more connected to yourself, as well as with the people you’re spending quarantine with. You can set a timer and allot a specific number of minutes for scrolling on whatever platform you choose, and then jump into the next activity you need to do.
It doesn’t have to be the next big thing on your task list—it could be as simple as taking five to stretch out your legs and limbs, or making yourself a good cup of coffee, anything that can help take your mind away from the persistent need to keep scrolling.
4. Stay connected to your loved ones despite the distance with the help of technology
While limiting screen time is essential, staying connected with our loved ones in these times necessitates technology. Keep in regular contact with the people in your lives and agree to have scheduled online check-ins when time permits. These will allow you to face each day with a better mindset.
Use free messaging apps to connect with friends and family. Among the most popular ones are Facebook Messenger, Skype, and Zoom. All you need is a stable internet connection, and you are good to go. If you aren’t into messaging apps, keeping it old school with a phone call still works.
Staying in touch with the people we love is essential to our mental health, with the many stressful internal and external stimuli that we deal with thanks to the pandemic. Always remember that connecting with others is an act of self-care.
5. Eat Well
If you have been housebound for most of the year, you are at risk for significant weight gain if you do not watch what you eat.
A well-balanced diet, filled with nutrient-rich food that gives you the energy to power through your day, is always ideal, especially during a global health crisis. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, lean proteins, and legumes is great to fill the body with the right kind of beneficial vitamins and minerals to help fortify the immune system.
Keep going
Getting this far in itself is a huge accomplishment. You have made it through a heap of personal and literal storms. You should be proud to have come out of it, maybe a bit older but definitely wiser.
You can achieve whatever you set your mind to, but you must want it hard enough. Taking care of yourself today and beyond this pandemic should be a priority, so you could show up for everything and everyone that you care for.
👉 CLICK HERE to Subscribe for Canada jobs with visa sponsorship
You May Also Like:
