The recent coronavirus pandemic has changed how we go about our everyday lives. Gone are the social parties, huge crowds, and mass gatherings. During this period, people are encouraged and even forced to stay home and come out only when necessary. The new protocol has affected people, despite the fact that many of them are used to being out of their homes during their usual days.
Being under social isolation can negatively affect a person, both mentally and physically. Luckily, there are a lot of things that you can do to keep healthy, and maybe you can even get out of this situation better than before. Here are some tips you can apply so that you can stay healthy, in all aspects, during this quarantine period.
1. Be Active To Beat Social Isolation
Even if you are at home during this period, that does not mean you need to lie in bed or sit on your couch all day. There are many ways that you can keep being active while staying at home, in self-isolation, even if you do not have any gym equipment lying around. Of course, if you have a pair of dumbbells or a treadmill in your home, then use them by all means and get into a routine of exercising daily.
Otherwise, being at home is also the perfect opportunity to clean up, change decorations, and move furniture around. You can do some general house cleaning and make some long-delayed repairs. Just make sure that, when working outside, such as tending to the garden or working on the roof, protective equipment such as gloves and masks are in use. Make sure also to sanitize in and out of the house. Doing this for just a few hours a day can certainly get the heart pumping.
2. Schedule Socialization Online
For those who live alone or those who are used to talking to friends, families, and even co-workers, social isolation can take a toll. While you cannot talk to these people within proximity, it is still possible to talk, even face to face, using various communication tools. You can use video calls, texting, or phone calls to keep in touch with friends constantly.
However, make sure that you are not distracting their own lives by setting a socialization schedule among your friends. This way, you will have an agreed-upon time to check up on each other and catch up even you can’t go drinking or shopping together due to the quarantine. You must also maintain this schedule to set limits of technology overload, which can have undue effects on the body as well to beat social isolation.
3. Remember to Eat Healthy
While going out to the market to buy groceries may be limited, this is no reason to stock up on junk or processed foods. Long term, these kinds of foods can harm the body, and while you may be safe from the current outbreak, you may find yourself at risk of other medical conditions down the line if you don’t eat healthily.
Try to steer away from food that contains a lot of preservatives. Prioritize purchasing lean meats, fruits, vegetables, fish, and dairy. This quarantine is a great way to try new and untried recipes, prepare some delicious, nutritious dishes at home; you can also brush up on your cooking skills. The Internet has many instructional videos and recipes that you can use to prepare healthy meals for you and your family.
4. Limit Time in Front of the Screen
The Internet, specifically social media, is full of fake news and negative content. Reading up on these can demotivate you and cause some undue stress. Try to limit your time in front of your phone or computer screen. Instead, try to find a quiet place to read a book. Limiting screen time is also recommended to avoid eye strain and other conditions caused by spending too much time in front of a computer or phone.
Checking up on Facebook, playing online games, or browsing the Internet, in general, may be limited to a couple of hours a day with a 15 to 30-minute break for every hour spent. It must apply to other members of the household as well, particularly children.
5. Do Meditation Exercises
Being in social isolation may feel like a prison as it limits you on what you can do and where you can go; this can affect your mental health. To ease the stress and frustration of being cooped up at home, we recommend doing some meditation exercises to reduce stress and maintaining a more positive outlook. Yoga, Pilates, and breathing exercises are low-stress exercises you can do to help you relax. Arranging these activities with more natural surroundings like plants or trees would be more desirable. Still, practice social distancing and ensure that the area is properly sanitized, all the way long.
Starting the day, schedule about 15 minutes of silence and meditation can do wonders for your mental health, and you would find yourself more relaxed and mentally prepared for the days ahead.
6. Spend Time with Your Family
Some say that the social isolation caused by the outbreak can be seen with a silver lining, as this presents people with the chance to spend more time with their families. In a way, this is true as people nowadays are often too busy that they neglect their family members and surrounding people. Take this chance to strengthen the bond with your families by interacting with them or even playing games together. If you have pets, you can also take this time to enjoy some quality play or snuggle time.
During these very stressful times, companionships will be your most effective tool against stress and boredom. It is also an opportunity to create stronger bonds with your families for more unity and closer relationships during the social isolation and even once the quarantine will be lifted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining health during social isolation involves a holistic approach that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, staying connected with loved ones, and engaging in activities that bring joy are all crucial. It’s also important to seek professional help if feelings of loneliness or depression become overwhelming. Remember, social isolation is a temporary state, and there are numerous resources available to help navigate this challenging time. Stay strong, stay connected, and remember to take care of your health.
Check out our other article on Interesting Ways to Make Your Own Facemask and Sanitizer
References
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/loneliness-and-social-isolation-tips-staying-connected