There’s nothing quite like a global pandemic to make you focus on your health. Aside from the obvious measures we all need to take to avoid coronavirus itself, it’s also important to look after your health as a whole.
This is especially the case given we aren’t following our normal routines or even getting outside as much as we normally would. Here are our top tips on staying healthy during coronavirus to guide you.
Keep moving
Even before the pandemic, the average person spent 90% of their time indoors. What with the lockdown and working from home, this number is likely even higher now. A sedentary lifestyle is bad for our health in so many ways, so you need to look at creative ways at combating this.
Try to start each day with 10 minutes of stretching, which will help counteract any aches or pains from being hunched over a screen all day. If you live near any parks or walking trails, make the most of them by going on a walk during your lunch hour or after work. You can also find plenty of free workout tutorials online, or even hire a remote personal trainer.
Ditch the takeaways
The temptation to order a pizza when the weather is grim and you can’t go out is all too real. But the reality is that processed food is the last thing we need to be eating right now, especially if you are trying to keep your immune system in check.
If you really must order takeout (and want to support local business which is great), stick to healthier dishes. For example, greens, lean protein or delicious smoothies. It might not be as tasty as a juicy kebab, but your health will seriously thank you for it. If you have no idea where to begin when it comes to healthy eating, a nutritionist or dietitian will be able to set you on the right path.
Don’t ignore any worrying signs
Sometimes you know something just isn’t right. It can be easy to dismiss what’s going on because you’re afraid, or due to the confusion about which services are still open during lockdown. But this can make whatever it is much more difficult to treat if it does turn out to be anything sinister.
Likewise, if you are due to attend any health screenings or checkups, do not put these off just because of coronavirus. Unless you are self-isolating, you should still be attending all of your health appointments. Remember, your GP is there to look after you, so don’t delay in accessing treatment if you need it.
Seek support
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. What with lockdown, economic uncertainty and all the restrictions, it’s perfectly understandable if you’ve experienced a dip in your mental health as a result of the pandemic. It’s really important you don’t suffer alone, especially with so much help available out there.
Many counsellors, therapists and life coaches have switched to working remotely, offering phone and video sessions. Speaking to a neutral party can help you make sense of what you are going through, and help you carve a way forward. In fact, finding the right help can be life-changing especially if you’ve been carrying around emotional baggage for some time. Or if you don’t have much of a support system in place during the pandemic.
To sum up
Even though you might be finding living through coronavirus tough, it’s still important to stay on top of your general health. Eating the right foods, exercising and acting fast if you notice anything that isn’t quite right will stand you in good stead. As we continue to navigate these difficult times, maintaining your health is one of the best things to focus on.