Trying to take care of your mental and physical health in the time of COVID-19 can seem like a futile effort. Countless people are out of a job while even more are struggling to cope with the roller coaster of emotions they’re feeling amidst the crisis. When it comes to self care, this time of stress may have us grasping at straws as we search for anything to help us feel more grounded.
Luckily, the United States holds up to 45% of the global pharmaceutical market and many healthcare-oriented businesses have started to develop antibody tests and more.
As the potential for a vaccine continues to work its way down the pipeline, the best thing we can do is continue to invest in our own, individual health. If you’re one of the many people who is feeling stressed out because of COVID-19, here are some of the top self care tips to make it through social distancing measures.
Support your local restaurants
The drain of planning meals each day and night can begin to way on those who like to eat out occasionally. If you find that you’re lacking the energy or motivation to cook another meal, ordering takeout from your favorite local restaurant can be just what you need.
After all, countless restaurants are struggling right now. These nonessential businesses have been told to close their doors by the government. Some restaurants have been able to make ends meet by offering takeout and delivery options but the number of customers they are seeing are nowhere near what they were two months ago.
Many people are struggling financially at this time. If you’re at your wit’s end when it comes to cooking, however, indulging in an affordable dinner might be the best way to get nutrition. It’s also one of the best ways to support the local economy at the same time. While many restaurants are partnering with food delivery apps, you can usually save a few dollars by driving to pick up your food directly from the restaurant. Since 100% of water tanks require protective linings, you never need to worry about the health and safety of your meals. Just clean off any takeout boxes with a cleansing wipe before you chow down on your favorite food.
It might seem like a simple pleasure but ordering food to-go can free up your evening and allow you to indulge in a simple pleasure when you need it most.
Experiment with your look
One of the worst parts about the shelter in place order is the tedium. It’s natural for us to get bored if there’s nothing to do, even if we have the wide reaches of the internet at our disposal. Watching “Tiger King” on Netflix for the third time can only keep our attention for so long.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by boredom, experimenting with your look can be a great way to break up the monotony of quarantine life. Many people have begun experimenting with different hair cuts and colors since they know that they won’t see their coworkers and friends for a while. Others have found that rehauling their entire closet has been a cathartic way to practice spring cleaning while coming up with new outfit possibilities.
Ditch social media
For many, social media has been a primary way to stay connected with friends that you don’t see every day. However, social media is a double-edged sword: if you’re getting bombarded by COVID-19 memes along with cute photos of your friend’s new baby, you’ll often exit an app feeling worse than you started.
There’s a never-ending stream of news about COVID-19 entering our news feeds. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by this information, there’s no shame in stepping away from social media for a while. Try setting aside breaks for social media use to prevent getting overwhelmed by COVID-19 news.
Stay clean
At the end of the day, our mental and physical health will likely suffer as a result of COVID-19. Some people might be experiencing the threat of anxiety for the first time while others are sinking deeper into depression. It’s natural to worry about your loved ones and the state of the world, but these factors will only get worse if you’re not taking care of yourself.
At the bare minimum, you should always try to stay clean. Those with depression and anxiety can find it hard to get out of bed in the morning, but these feelings will only continue if you don’t move your body. Showering and brushing your teeth are two vital aspects in maintaining your health, especially since visiting an orthodontist can be tough right now. In many cases, simply getting out of bed and brushing your teeth can give your body the forward momentum it needs to achieve other tasks.
Taking care of your mental health is vital if you’re feeling overwhelmed by quarantine. Luckily, there are plenty of online resources to consider when you’re not doing well. Rely on a routine to help keep your mental and physical health in shape.
Everyone is reacting to self-isolating differently. If you’re having a hard time coping, try these tips to keep moving forward. It’s a scary time but taking care of yourself is easy when you follow these tips.
