Many of us are doing our part to quarantine or stay home to help flatten the curve of COVID-19.
We have resorted to isolation and there is a sense of unknown or the unpredictable. We are social beings and creatures of habit thus making living in isolation from friends, family, coworkers, and the world, quite an unusual experience.
Here are 10 tips to give everyone some productivity and purpose during this time.
1.) Form a routine and set goals.
Scheduling your various tasks, social/virtual meetings, physical activity, and goals in your day can decrease stress and keep you on track.
2.) Stay socially connected.
Maintain relationships with friends and family via FaceTime, online chats, or email. Social interactions are quite essential during these unprecedented times. Remember to call anyone who may not be as tech savvy.
3.) Get moving and stay active.
Being home bound can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle. Venture outside for a walk or run (keeping your social/physical distance), download an exercise app, or stream on YouTube an at home guided exercise program, HIIT workout, or yoga session.
4.) Maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
Whatever type of diet you follow whether vegan, pescatarian, etc., ensure to avoid excessive refined carbohydrates, sugars, and saturated fats.
5.) Stay hydrated.
Your body needs water to thrive and function physically and at a cellular level.
6.) Keep your mental health in check.
Living in isolation or quarantine can lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, and in some cases depression. Talk to someone about how you’re feeling and share your thoughts whether it be with a counsellor, a friend, your partner, another family member, or in a journal. Refer to anxietycanada.com for some great resources.
7.) Spend time on activities, tasks and hobbies.
Take a break or time out from your day and do something that helps bring you joy and alleviates your stress. Take this opportunity to reorganize or declutter your home or learn something new.
8.) Avoid sustained postures and prolonged screen time.
Sitting in one position or staring at a screen for long periods of time may adversely affect your posture, putting compression on your spine.
If you’re sitting and working at your desk, gaming, or surfing social media on your device for an extended period of time, take frequent breaks at least every hour to get up and move around and give your neck and back a break.
9.) Keep your kids occupied with some structure in their day.
Have your children work on school work, spend time on their hobbies, household or family activities, and exercise. Try to have at least one meal together as a family without any devices; you’ll see how this may lead to meaningful conversations.
10.) Check the news only a few times per day.
The current news revolves around the pandemic, changes by the hour, and can be quite daunting. With the ability to have breaking news at our fingertips, it’s an easy distraction and may contribute to a mix of negative emotions. While it is important to stay informed, check the news two to three times in a day to help ease your mind and focus on other things in your day.
Dr. Afshin Janmohamed
Chiropractor
