For nearly two years, we have been amid a pandemic. The COVID-19 virus kills indiscriminately, has caused a global financial crisis, and has changed lives irrevocably. One of the first measures introduced to curb the virus’ spread was lockdowns, which are still in place in many countries today, despite overwhelming success with global vaccinations.
It’s impossible to say when the pandemic will be through, so for now, we all must focus on our health by exercising, resting, and eating healthily. Staying healthy reduces one’s chances of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.
Here’s how you can keep your health in check:
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is very important if you want to avoid falling ill with COVID-19. Those of us who are in good physical shape are less likely to develop a secondary infection, which is the primary killer of those who test positive for the virus. Strengthening one’s heart, lungs, and body through regular exercise is advised by the world’s leading doctors. Some exercises you might want to incorporate into your daily routine are push-ups, sit-ups, squats, dips, and aerobics. You should also take up running, which can double as a great way to alleviate stress. In places where lockdowns are in place, outdoor exercises like running are still permitted, so running can also give you an excuse to get outdoors.
Regular Testing
Regular testing is also very important. While testing won’t necessarily prevent you from contracting the virus, it will still tell you whether you have it and if you need to self-isolate. Self-isolation protects everybody else, from friends to strangers you pass by in the street. You can order COVID-19 tests and have them delivered straight to your door. Being able to test yourself at home removes the burden of having to travel to the nearest town, city, or urban area to test yourself at a government-appointed test center. Another advantage to home tests is that they give you an answer instantly, which allows you to take immediate action.
COVID Vaccinations
Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways of protecting yourself and keeping your health in check. There are several different types of vaccines with differing results, so do your research and find the one that’s best for you. Usually, your government will advise a specific vaccine or may only permit you access to theirs. Even if this is the case, still do some research and exploration beforehand. COVID-19 vaccines allow you to travel immediately, attend public venues, and spend time outdoors without worrying about getting sick.
Adequate Sleep
Sleep is very important. If one isn’t well-rested, one will not be able to fight off viruses should one become infected with them. What if you are spending a lot more time at home and have been forced to isolate by government orders, then it’s likely that you will be alert, awake, and have trouble sleeping. If this is the case, exercise couldn’t be more important. When you get enough sleep, your body can function better, and your immune system will be at the top of its game. Do not overlook or neglect your sleep; it is your body’s way of regenerating and recharging.
Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is just as important as exercise, sleep, and vaccinations. If you eat unhealthily and don’t consume vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your body needs to function, then your immune system will not function to the best of its ability. An underperforming immune system can leave you open to serious infections and secondary infections. A healthy diet should include green leafy vegetables, proteins, healthy fats, and lots of fruit. One can easily find diet guides online, so “I don’t know what to eat” isn’t an excuse. Healthy food is also very affordable and easy to find.
Physical Care
You need to take care of yourself beyond exercise. This means looking after yourself through grooming and monitoring. Do not overlook routine physical care. Many people during the pandemic have stopped taking care of themselves, mainly because of depression. If you do not shave, clean, or look after yourself, you will develop illnesses and diseases, and your mental health will deteriorate. If you’re locked down, you will still be able to leave isolation to go to pharmacies and pick up body care products. Physical care keeps you well physically and mentally.
Healthcare
If you have pre-existing health conditions, then do not stop tending to them because you are locked down. It is also important that you seek a doctor’s advice if you have any new issues. During the height of the pandemic, fatal cancer cases were soaring. This was not because there were more cases, but because people were not seeing doctors and addressing new symptoms. Notice any problems with your health. You should be able to get a same-day telephone appointment, which can be converted into a physical appointment, assuming your doctor thinks that your issue warrants it.
Mental Health
You must take care of your mental health. Everything else that has been mentioned so far in this article will contribute to you taking care of your mental health. In addition to everything mentioned here, you should monitor your mental health. If you begin to experience anxiety or depression, or you are getting stressed out easily, speak to a doctor. Many countries declared mental health emergencies during the pandemic because people who were not used to being locked down began developing serious mental health disorders. If you, too, have developed mental health issues, seek advice immediately.
Maintaining Contact
Another important part of taking care of your physical and mental health is to maintain contact with friends and loved ones. If you are locked down, then, of course, it is illegal to see them in person, but you can still speak to each other over the phone. In some places, people are allowed to meet, provided that they stay a specific distance from each other. If you live in a place where this is the case, then you could still exercise with loved ones, just socially distanced, keeping your physical and mental health in check.
Looking after one’s health is the best way to avoid becoming seriously ill with COVID. However, there’s more to one’s health than exercise and diet; you also need to consider your mental health. With a strong body and mind, you can defeat COVID.
