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.

Tip #7: Hobbies & Crafting

Those hobbies that "you'd really rather be doing" when your life is at its busiest.... now is the time to pick up or start planning and working on those things. Crafts and hobbies are a perfect way to distract yourself from the coos of uncertainty. It also boosts your overall well being, allows you the space to explore your creative side, and promotes organization skills. It provides you with a project to plan, start and finish which is also very rewarding.

Tip #8 Go Outside

If you aren't already spending time daily outdoors, this is a great time to start planning for outdoor activities such as picnics, bike rides, hikes, or walks with members of the same household. Check your city or town website for great locations close to you that are currently open to the public.

Tip #9: Set up an Ergonomic workstation if you are working from home or spending a lot of your time during the day on your laptop

Here’s how to do it:

1. Pick the right chair and adjust it to a height that best supports your back, your behind and your posture.

2. Make sure that your mouse and keyboard are in a comfortable position.

3. Keep all necessary items, pens, a stapler, a notebook within arms length.

4. Make sure that your desk is not set too high or too low in front of you. Also make sure that it is not too far away from where you sit. Bring it in until it's comfortable for you.

5. Set your monitor directly in front of you as to avoid straining your neck, eyes and back.

6. Use a foot rest or pillow for your bottom if you so require.

We'd love to hear from you! What are some of things that you are doing or did to maintain your own health & wellness while in self-isolation? Please leave your comments below.

OutsourceHR is a Canadian HR Consulting and Recruitment firm. Follow OutsourceHR on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn today for employment updates.