The COVID-19 crisis has gone for almost two years now. Not only has it posed a threat to our physical bodies, but it has also compromised our mental health. While many have become COVID-19 infected, others have suffered from mental health issues like psychological distress, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and even substance abuse.
Sure, we must have managed to cope with the pandemic situations by now. However, promoting health and well-being continues to be a top priority. It’s imperative to take good care of yourself to maintain a sound mind and body. That’s when self-care comes in amidst the COVID-19 crisis.
So how do you go about practising self-care in the new normal? Here’s how to achieve a sound mind and body during this pandemic:
1. Acknowledge the COVID-19 crisis
They say that what you don’t know won’t hurt you. However, it doesn’t apply to the COVID-19 crisis. As a responsible citizen, you must be aware of what’s happening around you so you can protect yourself. It pays to understand the pandemic’s impact on you. And that entails doing research and getting updates about the pandemic in your country and community. However, start by acknowledging the crisis, processing your emotions, and accepting its inevitability. From there, you can start practising self-care to help yourself rise above the pandemic.
2. Find ways to cope with the pandemic
Once you acknowledge and accept the COVID-19 crisis, you can go ahead and find ways to cope with the pandemic. Of course, the responses will vary from one individual to another. In addition, there are a handful of factors to consider, from your personal health to your family relationships to the cases in your community. You must understand the severity of the COVID-19 crisis and its implications on you. Then and only then can you find ways to protect yourself and your loved ones. But ultimately, it all boils down to practising self-care.
3. Maintain a healthy routine
When it comes to battling the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on you, self-care is the key. But as far as self-care is concerned, you must go back to the basics. And that is to have a healthy lifestyle to foster your health and well-being. Take note of the following health routines:
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Eat healthy foods
It’s crucial now than ever to keep yourself nourished. Be sure to eat healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. Also, opt for foods from animal sources like lean meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. The ultimate goal is to be as healthy as you can be.
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Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated all the time is paramount. It all goes back to drinking eight glasses of water a day. Sure, you may take other liquid sources to reach your daily fluid intake. However, regulate your coffee and tea consumption and avoid carbonated drinks, artificial juices, and alcohol.
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Exercise regularly
It’s crucial to stay as physically active as possible during this crisis. However, the pandemic restrictions might have led you to a sedentary lifestyle. As such, find ways and means to be physically active. No, you don’t necessarily have to hit the gym. All it takes is to walk and jog, do household chores, and play with your kids and pets to sweat out.
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Maintain a sleeping cycle
Sleep is paramount for a sound mind and body. Be sure to have enough sleep by following the sleep recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, strive to achieve a night of restful and restorative slumber.
4. Ensure constant communication and maintain social interaction
Constant communication and social interactions are keys to promoting health and well-being during the pandemic. Unfortunately, the pandemic restrictions might have impacted your personal and social interaction. First, develop a support system and find time to communicate with them regularly. They can be your family members and best of friends. Second, continue to socialize with other people, especially with your friends and colleagues at work. Fret not, as digital tools and communication technologies make it possible.
5. Practice meditation and mindfulness
It’s crucial to have time for yourself amid the COVID-19 crisis. For the most part, having ‘me time’ entails pursuing your hobbies, pampering yourself, or doing nothing at all. While they help maintain your sanity amid the crisis, there’s another essential practice to consider as part of your self-care. That is to have meditation and mindfulness. Be sure to take about ten minutes to practice these daily. Various studies have shown the health benefits of meditation and mindfulness. They can reduce stress, fear, anxiety, and depression.
6. Seek professional health care
When it comes to self-care, you can only do so much in taking care of yourself. There are instances when you need to rely on health professionals for medical care. If you start to show symptoms of COVID-19, you must get tested and visit a doctor. If you begin to feel overwhelming stressed, anxious or depressed, you need to see a shrink for therapy. If you have an underlying medical condition and manifest tumours on your body, you need to see a health professional. Your physician will most likely recommend an open MRI test alongside proper medical treatment.
At this point, you now know how to foster a sound mind and body during this pandemic. Consider the self-care tips recommended above, from acknowledging the crisis to seeking professional health care when necessary. Go beyond protecting your body from the various coronavirus strains. Also, live a healthy lifestyle and foster your mental health. With self-care, you’ll achieve and maintain a sound mind and a sound body amid the crisis.
