Staying Healthy During the Covid-19 Pandemic
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued important guidelines during the Covid-19 outbreak. While some of the recommendations many of us have heard before, others are not quite as obvious. One of the less well-known warnings concerns stress – and pandemics can be incredibly stressful. Doctors and psychologists are keenly aware that numerous studies carried out over decades found that high levels of stress are correlated with a wide variety of health issues, including heart problems, anxiety, and depression, among others.
When people are experiencing anxiety and stress, sleep patterns are often disrupted, concentration may become more difficult, eating patterns may be altered (often in unhealthy ways - gorging on unhealthy food, for example), and increased use of alcohol, smoking, or other substances. Resist with all your mental strength the temptation to imbibe alcohol more than usual, or falling back on unhealthy behaviors such as smoking.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, those subjected to increased stress levels more than the population at large include people with the responsibility of caring for family members, frontline health care workers, folks with underlying psychological conditions, people with substance use disorders, and those who have lost their jobs. People who live alone may feel even more isolated. (if you know people who live alone, a phone call or a video chat may go a long way toward easing an isolated person’s anxiety level.)
Also, very importantly, be sure to take care of yourself. Constantly focusing on the virus is not a good idea. Do exercises, meditation or whatever technique you think may lower your stress level and relax your mind. Remember, if you don’t take care of yourself properly, you will be less able to care for your loved ones. Speaking with other people whose wisdom you respect (or whose humor you enjoy) is a great idea, as well.
The American Society of Nutritionists reinforces the CDCs recommendations. The organization reminds us that, there is a direct relationship between your diet, physical activity and your health. For example, when people are limiting their outings, exercising at home becomes even more important. Therefore, physical activity is extremely important during the coronavirus epidemic.
One way to stay in a positive state of mind is remembering that the Covid-19 virus is a temporary phenomenon. Also, thinking about other tough times you have made it through successfully is also a good idea. Further, spend some time focusing on the good things in your life. These guidelines should help many folks deal with the current situation more successfully, while staying mentally and physically healthy at the same time.