With the threat of coronavirus — also known as COVID-19 — continuously growing, it’s becoming more important than ever to practice social distancing and stay at home. It can be hard not to see your family or friends for a while, but these top tips can help you stay sane during this difficult time.
While most public health officials recommend keeping a safe distance from your friends, puppy and kitty cuddles are still allowed (for now). Since the strain of COVID-19 cannot be passed from your pet, you’re safe to snuggle up with them while you wait for this to blow over.
Studies have shown that a cuddle from your pet can have many benefits on your mental health, including the release of cortisol. If you feel stressed out from having to stay inside, your trusty dog or cat might be your saving grace. Just be sure to clean your pet when you bring them in from a walk outside. While COVID cannot infect your pet, if someone with the virus gives them a pat, then you might be at risk. When you bring your pet outside, practice the six-foot distance policy to help keep any germs or pathogens at bay.
If you’re one of the lucky people who get to work from home amidst this pandemic then it might be hard to separate your work life and your home life. It can be difficult to unplug when there are countless things to do before logging off.
One of the best ways to establish a work-life balance is by building yourself a makeshift office. If you cannot designate an entire room of your home to office activities, you can always rely on a certain section of your home to suffice. Do all of your work-related tasks in this location and avoid bringing the rest of your job into your living room. This will help you unplug (literally) when the work day is done.
Whether you’re working or not, it’s important to keep to a routine. Many newfound home dwellers find themselves glued to their screens in lieu of performing their regular activities. If you’re having trouble making the most of each day spent inside, develop a routine to help stay productive.
This also means that you should incorporate new habits to your old routines. Just like you would get dressed for work, you should also put on new clothes at the start of each day. Brush and floss your teeth, clean your Invisalign trays, and even do your makeup or hair if that is a factor in starting your day. Along with these vital activities, however, you should be finding ways to fill in the gaps of time that would usually be taken up by the gym, shopping, or going to work. This might include crafting a day planner to cordon off workout times, periods for stretching, and setting reading goals. If you know you have a general routine to follow each day, you will spend less time in front of the television and more time promoting healthy habits and activities.
You can still take your dog for a walk as long as you follow the six-foot rule but many people aren’t willing to go outside if they don’t have to. If you’re bottled up in your house, however, it’s important to keep moving, even if you only want to play video games or watch a movie. This is because staying active can help your mental and physical health thrive. The more active you are, the less likely you’ll need chiropractic services, even though 77% of patients claim that it’s an effective form of treatment.
This doesn’t mean you have to choreograph an entire dance or become an Olympic athlete overnight. Simply stretching twice per day and following some simple workouts online can be a great way to get your blood pumping. You can also run up and down the stairs, perform essential household chores, and play with your pets. A healthy body helps fuel a healthy mind.
Even though we’re isolating ourselves physically doesn’t mean we have to be alone! If you’re craving a human connection, video chatting with friends is a great way to feel connected. Watch a movie together or simply put your friend on speaker while you’re making dinner. Talking with friends is one of the best ways to stay sane during an otherwise crazy time.
London has been hit by the COVID-19 virus badly. To prevent the virus from spreading, practicing social distancing is vital. Following these tips can be a life-saver when you’re starting to feel a little stir crazy.