How to stay positive & take care of your health during Covid-19
As news about the Covid-19 outbreak continues to dominate the headlines and people around the world are asking to self- quarantine, it has become significant to pay attention to your mental and physical health.
As the situation intensifies, you might be wondering; how can I keep myself healthy not only physically but also mentally. And this is obvious!
The answer lies in following the latest credible guidelines on social distancing, proper handwashing and stay at home directives.
But there are also ways to strengthen yourself physically as well as mentally. So, let’s look at the facts that will help keep you healthy:
Cut back news and social media intake:
Limit your exposure to the news and customize your social media feed — by following pages that make you feel good. If you spend a significant amount of time constantly keeping eye on news updates and social media feeds about COVID-19 can reinforce your feelings of worry and distress. Consider turning off push notifications and taking a break from the news and social feeds. WHO recommends seeking factual information mainly to take practical steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Get information from only reliable sources:
Limit yourself to reading information only from some legitimate and reliable sources like the World Health Organisation (WHO), the reliable national sources (for example, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website). These legitimate sources of information are key to avoid the distress and panic that misinformation may cause.
Be present. Focus on what you can control:
Making time for Self-care in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak includes focusing on things you can control (like having good hygiene) instead of those you cannot (stopping the virus). Where possible, maintain your daily routine and normal activities: eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep and do things that make you enjoy it. Along with that consider creating a daily routine that prioritizes your wellbeing and a positive lifestyle. Activities, like taking a walk, meditating, exercising, can help you to relax and will give you positive energy and impact positively on your thoughts and feelings.
Find time for Fitness and Self-care:
Engaging yourself in regular physical activity is a great way to help manage stress and strengthen your body system and helps you to be physically strong.
“In fact, research also shows, fit individuals — those who partake in regular physical activity have a lower prevalence of infection compared to inactive individuals.”
How do physical activities help? For one, physical activities help to root bacteria out of the lungs, decreases your chances of getting cold flu or other illness. Exercise also helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases that could further weaken your immune system, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.
For an at-home fitness essential, if you are looking for something more structured, there are plenty of options available on online platforms from where you can choose from.
Cleaning your energy & finding inner calm
If you haven’t tried meditation, now it might be a good time to start. It may help keep your immune system functioning optimally.
A stressful circumstance like what we are experiencing now can negatively affect us mentally as well as physically, but a consistent meditation practice can help you better respond to stressful situations.
Drink water as much as you can:
Water can do wonders to help improve your health and well- being. Drinking water helps to carry oxygen to your body cells, which results in the proper functioning of physical and mental health.
Don’t skimp on sleep:
Get your sleep properly. Not doing so can negatively affect your physical as well mental system.
To keep yourself physically strong, seven to eight hours of sleep each night can help to strengthen yourself against any disease.
Keep connected with your family and friends:
Maintaining social networks with your friends and family may ease the stress caused by COVID-19. Sharing your concerns and feelings may help you find ways of dealing with anxiety and fear. Receiving support and care from your loved ones can bring a sense of comfort and stability. Assisting people in their time of need and reaching out to someone who may be feeling alone or concerned can benefit both you and the person receiving support as well as the helper.
You are needed. We all play a part:
You play a part in this community, in this interconnected global community, Whether you are doing your part by just staying at home and staying safe staying healthy or whether you have skill something that you can contribute to the world. If you have anything, this is the time to give if because the world needs you. People out there need you.
There is a wide range of measures to tackle Coronavirus pandemic and protect your health and that of your loved ones. Keep in mind that we together can end this epidemic only by the power of our morale. Taking proactive measures can help manage you and the health of your loved ones during this time of uncertainty.
Stay Strong, Stay Safe & Stay Healthy and Drink a lot of water. We’re all in this together.
