The COVID-19 crisis has posed a threat to health and life in general. Not only does it compromise physical health, but it also affects mental health. If you don’t do something to protect your mind and body, the pandemic can take a toll on your overall well-being.
As such, it’s imperative to stay on top of your mind and body during this unprecedented time. There are a few crucial steps you can take to promote a healthy lifestyle. But it takes a conscious effort and deliberate action to keep up with your healthy habits.
That said, here’s how to keep your mind and body strong during this pandemic:
1. Have proper nutrition
A healthy lifestyle starts with healthy eating. Eating the right kinds of foods has become all the more crucial during this pandemic. You must be conscious of what you put on the table and what you consume every day.
Know that you don’t just feed out of hunger; you eat to nourish your body. That said, opt for whole fruits, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, poultry eggs, and nuts and seed. Avoid canned goods, processed foods, and those ordered from fast-food restaurants.
2. Ensure body hydration
Since you were young, you’ve heard the need to drink plenty of water every day. Nothing has changed — you need to drink eight glasses of water for hydration. Yes, water. Avoid carbonated drinks and regulate your coffee, tea, and alcohol consumption.
Keep in mind that WebMD recommends three liters of fluid for men and two litters of fluid for women each day. Being dehydrated can lead to all sorts of health issues. Why? Drinking enough water helps flush out toxins in your body.
3. Get ample rest and sleep
When it comes to a healthy lifestyle, getting enough rest and sleep is a part of the overall equation. For instance, you need to take a break when working to reduce your stress. Even when exercising or lifting weights, you need to allot a day for muscle healing and body recovery.
As far as your sleep is concerned, be wary of the required sleeping hours. For adults, they must get at least seven hours of sleep at night. However, don’t just factor in the hours; focus on a restful and restorative sleep instead.
4. Be Physically Active
The COVID-19 pandemic can lead you to have a sedentary lifestyle. As you are stuck at home, you’ll most likely curl up on your couch while hooked on your mobile phone. Not only will this dormant lifestyle affect your physical health, but it will also impact your psychological well-being.
Know that you have to be physically active as much as possible. You don’t necessarily have to perform a home workout or go to a nearby gym. However, find time to perform some physical activities like doing household chores, pursuing outdoor gardening, or walking around your house.
5. Maintain social interaction online and offline
The pandemic has negatively affected our social interaction. While it has brought you closer to your family, it has set you apart from your friends and colleagues. For the sake of your mental health, it’s vital to still keep in touch with them. Thanks to digital technologies and social media, you can still communicate with them online. However, be sure to limit your digital consumption.
In addition, it’s best to spend quality time with your family instead. Be sure to take this opportunity to bond with them. That said, watch movies together, play sports with the kids, and talk to your seniors. You need each other for emotional and psychological support now more than ever.
6. Pay attention to your mind and body
Amidst the global health crisis, you must pay attention to your mind and body. If you start to feel stressed and overwhelmed, take a break and relax. If you’re showing symptoms of anxiety and depression, talk to your shrink and ask for therapy. Don’t resort to substance use and abuse to help you cope with the pandemic.
On the other hand, be wary of the COVID-19 symptoms set by the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you lose your sense of smell and taste, for instance, get yourself tested right away. If you have respiratory problems, consult your physician and visit an upright open MRI center for medical imaging. Ultimately, don’t take your health for granted.
At this point, you now know what it takes to keep your mind and body strong during this pandemic. Be sure to consider some healthy lifestyle tips recommended above. With conscious effort and deliberate action, you can protect both your mental and physical health. Ultimately, you’ll be able to foster your overall well-being, even amidst a global health crisis.
