The spread of COVID-19 has forced everyone to change their focus. Hospitals have shifted their attention to those infected by the virus. Businesses have been forced to pivot, focusing on crucial operations. And as individuals, times like this cause us to focus on things that matter most.
The things we prioritize, the way we view our relationships, and the way we care for our health have all changed as a result.
Some of us may have a little more time on our hands these days. Rather than sit and worry, I encourage you to evaluate yourself. Take time to focus on your health both mentally and physically.
Then, move your focus externally. Take a look at the health of your community. What can you do to improve it?
Personal health: your mind
There are two major components of your personal health: your mental health and your physical health.
Let’s start with your mental health. Quarantine isn’t necessarily the best thing for your psyche. Sure, we have social media, but that can often lead to an increased feeling of isolation.
With all the uncertainty, anxiety levels are higher than usual for many. So, what can you do to improve your state of mind during this time?
1. Do something you enjoy
How about doing something you enjoy! When was the last time you read a book for pleasure? Or how about that hobby you never get to do anymore?
Here’s a crazy idea: take a day and allow yourself to binge-watch your favorite series guilt-free!
Or maybe there’s something you think you might enjoy…
This is the question being tossed around Elemental’s remote office spaces: What new skill are you learning?
My goal is to learn a new instrument during this quarantine. How cool would it be to come out of this being able to serenade my guests at our first dinner party? Not saying that would actually happen, but it would be cool to have the ability to.
2. Spend more time with your family
“Never enough time in the day” is the mantra of too many people. Whether it’s your spouse, significant other, or children, we always wish we had more quality time together. With social distancing in place, now is the perfect time to spend time together with those under the same roof.
3. Get more sleep
I’m not talking about hitting the snooze button a few extra times. I’m talking about getting quality sleep reminiscent to the days of old when you slept in Saturday morning. You may have forgotten what that was like. Sleep is vital for both a healthy mind and a healthy body. You’d be surprised how great you feel after getting eight hours of sleep.
Don’t believe me? Give it a try and see for yourself!
Personal health: your body
1. Clean up your eating habits
It can be difficult when you’re stuck at home with extra time on your hands. It can easily lead to unhealthy eating habits. But instead, use this extra time to clean up your diet. With social distancing in effect, it’s not as easy to go out for your meals. So, break out a cookbook and start improving your eating habits.
2. Drink more water and less alcohol
We’re a water bottle company so naturally, I’m going to suggest drinking water. But the fact still remains just as true: drinking eight glasses of water each day provides so many benefits.
Boredom and anxiety often lead to consuming excessive amounts of unhealthy foods and drinks. You might be tempted to enjoy a couple of extra drinks than usual while quarantined. Instead, consume more water (see the previous point) or swap out one of your alcoholic drinks for a mocktail or sparkling water.
3. Get moving
It’s tempting to sit around all day wasting away in front of the television. But you don’t get an excuse to be completely sedentary just because your gym is closed – you just have to be a little more creative. Go for a walk (if social distancing laws allow you to), look up a workout on Youtube, or create your own at-home workout.
Communal health
If you take a look around — the news, social media — morale isn’t as high as it was a couple of months ago. As you care for your own health, take a moment to help those around you.
Social distancing prevents you from grabbing a cup of coffee, but there are plenty of ways you can benefit the wellbeing of those around you.
1. Reach out to someone
Most of us have at least one or two people who’ve been on our minds. Instead of just thinking about them, give them a call.
Or when was the last time you sat down with pen and paper to write someone a note? Maybe never? Take ten minutes today — not tomorrow — and write someone a letter.
2. Be a positive voice
Thanks to the news negativity is at an all-time high. The daily mantra of every media outlet seems to be doom and gloom. Instead of adding to the growing anxiety, be a positive voice. Make every social media post have an uplifting message. Go a step further and leave a message on your sidewalk or front door to encourage those walking by.
3. Wear a mask
We both have a part to play in our local community, but we’re also a part of a national community. Together, let’s do our part to flatten this curve.
Purchase one of our non-medical grade face masks and Elemental will donate one to those in need. By purchasing one of our masks we can help stop the spread of the Coronavirus and ensure that medical and essential workers have access to medical-grade N95 masks.
Good read. This is helpful. Thank you for sharing this.
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