Maintaining Health & Balance in Self-Isolation
Stay at home orders have impacted us on a global level. Many of us are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain balance both emotionally and physically throughout this extended period of isolation for a number of reasons. To add to the problem, there seems to be a constant flooding of conflicting opinions posted on social media and by various news outlets. When will our world open back up and our lives return to the "new normal"? What does that even mean?
This can be a very stressful time for anyone...
Below are 9 tips of how to "keep it together" and support and protect your own well-being throughout the passing of this pandemic.
Tip #1: Grow a Garden inside your Home or Apartment.
Bring life back into your home. Open your windows, let the sunshine in. Fresh air, sunshine and plants are all excellent and proven ways to feel better, breathe better and stay focused.
Tip #2: Stay Connected.
The ability to stay connected with those that matter to us gives us a sense of security and belonging.
Staying connected socially with friends and family members that live alone is especially important. They are at a much higher risk of experiencing feelings of anxiety, fear, depression, and paranoia in the midst of the pandemic being 100% isolated from others physically.
Tip #3: Prioritize time each day for Exercise & Meditation
Set aside time each day that will be dedicated to exercise and meditation. It can be less than 10 minutes for each, but can change how you feel throughout your whole day. If you tend to get distracted or forget, set a calendar reminder on your smart phone. Make sure you pick a time that actually works for you.
There are many free and highly effective exercise and meditation apps available that allow us to maintain our physical and mental health from the comfort of our own home.
Tip #4: Eating Healthily
Buy proteins from your local butcher and pick up locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables from a farm nearby. You will not only be buying the freshest produce and cut meat in your area, you will also be supporting local business.
If you are able to grow your own produce and fresh herbs in your backyard, now is the time to start. We all know the many benefits of eating healthily, it's hard to keep track of all of them, but here are a few to mention... a) maintain a healthy weight b) improves focus and memory skills c) reduces risk of cancer, heart disease, and type II diabetes d) promotes a positive mood e) increased energy and drive f) reduced feelings of guilt or shame...
Tip #5: Mitigating your exposure to Media
We are all beginning to feel the effects of the non-stop media exposure of the COVID-19 pandemic. I'm sure we can all agree, It's too much. Studies show that repeated and prolonged exposure to news surrounding the pandemic can increase your levels of stress, anxiety and paranoia.
A healthy amount of time, one hour or less a day, spent on reviewing articles by trusted news sources is fine.
Tip #6: Escape in Fiction
Replace your commute time with an hour every day dedicated to reading the books you bought, but never got around to reading. Fictional books can take your mind to places far away from the fears and stress you may be experiencing in isolation.