7 Tips on How to Keep Healthy During the COVID-19 Crisis

The COVID-19 crisis is totally transforming all aspects of society. Here's how you can stay healthy during these challenging times.

It's no secret that COVID-19 has uprooted many of our lives. The day-to-day rituals we've come to know and expect are gone. In their place is fear, anxiety, and a whole lot of uncertainty. 

If you're feeling uneasy, you're not alone. Studies suggest that 72% of Americans have experienced significant life disruptions as a result of the pandemic. 

In these uncertain times, the only thing we can do is learn how to keep healthy and happy. Keep reading to find our seven tips for keeping your body and mind healthy amidst the pandemic. 

1. Strengthen Your Immune System

Eating certain foods can make your immune system stronger. If you're hoping to stay healthy amidst the pandemic, add more wholesome and fresh food to your diet. 

Vitamin C can increase your body's ability to produce the white blood cells necessary for staving off infections. Eat citrus fruits like grapefruit, oranges, and lemons. Red bell peppers are another great source of this essential vitamin. 

You can also use vitamin C supplements to help you meet the recommended daily amount - 90 mg for adult males and 75 mg for adult females. 

Garlic is another excellent flu-fighting food you should add to your diet. Not only can it boost your immune function, but it can also help improve your memory. 

2. Distract Yourself

If you've been sitting at home binge watching Netflix since March, it's time to switch things up. Sure, a little bit of television is fine now and then. But if you want to thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic, you need to get off the couch.

What are your favorite hobbies? What types of things did you always wish there were time for before the pandemic? 

Are you an artist? Dust off your paintbrushes and see what art will flow from your fingertips.

Have you always wanted to write a memoir? Pull out your notebooks and put your pen to paper. 

3. Workout

You probably already know all the health benefits of working out. Not only will physical activity increase your feel-good brain chemicals, but it can also boost your immune system, too. 

You don't need a fancy premium gym membership to reap the benefits of exercise, either. Even a short walk around your neighborhood will prove beneficial. 

If you want to up the ante, there are a plethora of online exercise classes and memberships you can join. You won't even need any fitness equipment for some programs.

Find an exercise regimen that you look forward to and stick to it. Challenge your partner, friends, or family members to join you in the fitness program you choose for added accountability.

4. Catch Up

Social isolation can increase the incidences of depression, impaired sleep function, poor immunity, and even cognitive decline. 

No one wants to be cooped up in their home for weeks or months on end. But since many of us are stuck doing just that, there's no better time to reconnect with your friends and family. Just because you can't be together face-to-face doesn't mean you can't stay in touch.

Schedule weekly video calls with your close friends and family members. Play games online with one another or enjoy a socially distanced at-home happy hour together. 

5. Stay Informed

While living in fear has never really helped anyone, it doesn't hurt to stay informed.

You should, at the very least, know what the numbers are looking at for your area. How many cases are active? Are there any current coronavirus outbreaks in your city? 

Get your information from sources like the Centers for Disease Control or the World Health Organization. Avoid gluing yourself to social media or the news as you may find it worsens your stress levels. 

Know the symptoms of the virus and where to go if you need COVID 19 testing. 

6. Get Enough Sleep

Fear, anxiety, and stress can all take a toll on your sleep quality and quantity. If you're having a hard time getting to sleep and staying that way, we have some tips that may help.

Take time every evening to wind down before bed. Turn off the television and plug your smartphone in for the night in any room but your bedroom. Dim the lights and sip on warm and calming drinks like tea.

Don't stare at the clock watching the minutes go by. If you can't fall asleep, get out of bed. Tossing and turning while watching the clock will make you more anxious. 

Fold clothes, do dishes, or participate in another mundane activity. Avoid the temptation of turning on the TV to pass the time.

Meditation is a great practice to start before bedtime. It will allow you to relax and let out all the thoughts from your day. Download a meditation app to help you get started.

Ensure the ambiance in your bedroom is just right. Keep your room cool, dark, and quiet to encourage better sleep habits.

7. Create a New Routine

You may have been following the same routine for many years before the coronavirus came and uprooted everything. It can be very stressful and anxiety-inducing to suddenly have your life upended. If you're upset about the loss of your daily regime, it may be time to create a new one.

A new adapted routine can help provide a sense of order and purpose even if everything about your day-to-day has changed.

If you're new to working from home, create a schedule, and stick to it. Wake up at a time you usually would for work, get dressed, and start your day at your regular working hours. 

The pandemic may be especially difficult for families as no one thrives more on routine than children.

Work together to create a new schedule that works for everyone. Be consistent and predictable when deciding upon your new family routine. 

Don't forget to include self-care activities into your new regimen. Choose healthy foods, go for walks or bike rides, and give yourself a little grace. We're all learning how to navigate in this new life, after all. 

Keep Healthy and Happy

It's not hard to keep healthy during the pandemic if you know how to do it. Taking care of your body and mind is essential. Be gentle with yourself and know that while times may be difficult, they won't be this way forever.

Keep reading our blog to find more tips on staying healthy and fit.