The COVID-19 pandemic is a global health crisis. As such, it has posed a threat to the health and lives of people. But not only does it affect the physical body, but it also impacts mental health. For this reason, it’s essential to foster your overall health and well-being.
Fortunately, there are healthy habits you and your family can resort to during this pandemic. It’s more than just getting vaccinated and boosting your immune system to protect your body from the threat of the novel coronavirus. It also entails a healthy lifestyle and recreational activities to promote mental health and psychological well-being.
That said, here’s how to foster your well-being during this pandemic:
1. Have proper nutrition and hydration
They say that you are what you eat and drink. As such, be mindful of what food you put on the table and how much water you drink. The rule of thumb is to go for healthy food and beverages.
That said, opt for whole fruits, green leafy vegetables, lean meat, and dairy products. While at it, make sure to cut down on your oil, salt, and sugar intake. For beverages, avoid carbonated drinks, artificial juices, and alcohol consumption. Better yet, drink plenty of water every day.
2. Get enough and restful sleep
Sleep is essential not only for your physical body but for your psychological well-being. With life’s uncertainties giving you stress, psychological distress, anxiety, and depression, you need to get ample sleep every night.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults have at least seven hours of sleep (teens for eight hours and children for nine hours). However, make sure that this sleep is a restful and restorative one.
3. Work out regularly
Regular exercise isn’t only good for the physical body, but it is also essential for mental health. Working out doesn’t only build your muscle and boost your strength, but it also releases your happy hormones. It can improve your mood and make you feel better.
That said, you don’t necessarily have to hit the gym. For one, you can set up a home gym. Even home exercises will suffice, and any physical activity will do.
4. Maintain social interaction
There’s no denying how the pandemic restrictions have set you apart from your friends and colleagues. Unfortunately, home isolation can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression. For this reason, maintaining your social interaction is imperative.
As much as possible, consistently communicate with your families and spend quality time with them. Thanks to modern technologies, you can also continue to engage with your friends and colleagues via the internet and social media.
5. Practice self-care
Self-care has become a buzzword amid the COVID-19 crisis. But while it’s easy for you to take good care of others, you tend to take yourself for granted. Chances are, you are busy and preoccupied with attending to your spouse and raising your kids.
In addition, you are most likely juggling between managing your household and accomplishing your work. Stop and take a break for a while! It’s vital to practice self-care by making time for yourself or doing absolutely nothing at all.
6. Enjoy hobbies and interests
If you want to keep yourself sane amid the crisis, pursuing your hobbies and interests is the key. First off, ask yourself what you enjoy doing. You probably love to cook or bake, draw or paint, as well as sew and knit.
If you have a knack for art, you can have a craft subscription box for adults and produce handmade products. Other recreational activities you can engage in are home gardening and outdoor sports with your kids.
7. Seek professional help
The COVID-19 crisis can lead to all sorts of mental health issues. No matter how strong and resilient you are during this pandemic, you might let down your guard and eventually give up.
If you start to feel stressed out, make sure to seek professional help. As soon as you start showing symptoms of depression and anxiety, talk to your shrink and get the necessary therapy. Ultimately, working with a health professional will address your mental health issue and help you rise above the pandemic situation.
At this point, you now know what it takes to promote your well-being during this pandemic. Consider the valuable recommendations discussed above, from having proper nutrition and hydration to maintaining social interaction to seeking professional help.
Through these, you can protect your physical health, ensure mental stability, and promote your psychological well-being. Ultimately, you’ll foster your overall health and well-being amid the COVID-19 crisis.