Over the past several months, the Coronavirus has affected many aspects of our society and livelihoods. Many people in non-essential and high-risk positions have experienced layoffs and furloughs. Others have been given the opportunity to work from home, and still, others are required to work every day, putting themselves at risk as they help others.
This pandemic has had significant impacts on our physical and mental health. It’s a stressful, uncertain time for our world and as such, it’s imperative that we take the right steps to protect our well-being. Now, perhaps more than ever, it’s important to develop healthy habits while we all practice social distancing and sheltering in place.
Here are some tips to help you develop a routine that can help ease some of the stress while self-isolating.
Make Time For Yourself (Your Mental Health Will Thank You)
The stress from losing your job or being put at risk as an essential worker is certainly overwhelming and hard to process. While it’s perfectly normal to feel discouraged and anxious, it’s also important to combat these feelings of hopelessness to take care of your mental health. There are plenty of resources to help you through this mentally-draining time.
If you currently have a therapist, make time each week to set up a virtual or phone session with him. If you don’t have one right now, ask around to those you trust, get their therapist’s contact information, and make an appointment. Many therapists are also self-isolating so they’ve set up an office at home and are likely still taking appointments via virtual meetings. While you’re making room in your schedule, consider putting together a virtual happy hour or book club with your friends to stay in touch and to maintain that social element we all need.
If you need a mental boost during your days of self-isolating, start an at-home fitness routine. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just something to release those helpful endorphins that can help with your mental wellbeing. The last thing you’re probably thinking about right now is working out, but a consistent exercise routine can help you get out of your head, let go of your worries, and feel more in control of your body and mind.
Use Technology To Your Advantage
A tricky thing when living through a pandemic is taking care of your health when access to doctors is limited if not completely obstructed due to closures. The Coronavirus doesn’t care if you’re battling a chronic illness. We are all lucky enough to live in a world, however, where telehealth is a viable option.
Mobile apps and other medical devices can help you manage your physical and mental health by keeping track of any irregularities you might experience during the stay at home order. According to UIC Health, “Commonly, these different devices and technologies can be connected to each other, allowing them to share patient data directly with healthcare professionals. This connectivity benefits not only individual patients and improves their care, but it also impacts how health records are kept and accessed by physicians and researchers.” Medical devices and mobile apps are great options for those dealing with diabetes, painful periods, and even anxiety during self-isolation. In addition, mobile apps can track your blood sugar or remind you to take your medications.
Moreover, telehealth or telemedicine can replace important medical appointments or allow you to obtain prescriptions that you’re likely missing since the virus struck. Options using telemedicine include the following:
- Online exams and prescription renewal: If you run out of contacts or get low on eczema cream while sheltering in place, there are options to get your prescription renewed by a doctor or to place an order.
- Remote patient monitoring: By inputting important information every day from home, your doctor can still keep track of your health and contact you if anything unusual arises.
- Video consultations: From your therapist to your eye doctor, video consultations are able to keep a strong line of communication going between you and your doctor.
- Secure image uploads: Some health providers have enabled the option to upload self-taken medical images to a secure server. Then your doctor can evaluate these images and make decisions without you having to step foot into an office.
There’s an array of options to choose from depending on your particular needs. Using the right resources to maintain your health will make this time a little bit easier.
Trying to maintain your health, relationships, and work-life balance amidst a pandemic is no easy feat. However, it’s still essential to make sure that your body and mind are being taken care of. Whether you start a new home improvement project or simply use this time to learn how to meditate, making you and your health a priority is the best way to stay physically and emotionally healthy while self-isolating.
Beau Peters is a creative professional with a lifetime of experience in service and care. As a manager, he's learned a slew of tricks of the trade that he enjoys sharing with others who have the same passion and dedication that he brings to his work.
