At first, getting two weeks off work or school may seem like a fun holiday but those who have had to stay at home due to illness in the past will know that being forced to stay inside and away from others for more than a day or two can quickly become boring and even anxiety-inducing. Many people are finding this to be true as so many in our community have been given instruction to remain in the home. There are some actions that you can take while stuck at home to keep healthy both mentally and physically!
Staying Connected!
Connection with the people in your community can be a huge boost for your mental well-being. Just because you’re self-quarantining, doesn’t mean you have to be completely cut off from everyone and maintaining communication via text/email/video chat can help to prevent feelings of isolation. Luckily we live in a time that maintaining connections remotely is possible, whether that be with friends, family, or colleagues. Joining an online group that shares your interests (such as a book or movie club) can also help to keep you connected with like-minded people (and help to keep boredom away).
Maintain a Routine!
While it may seem tempting to do ‘what you want, when you want’ during your time at home, setting up a regular routine can help you to feel happier, more in control, and less bored. A healthy routine should include maintaining regular meal times, eating a healthy/balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and keeping physically active where possible.
If you are continuing to work from home, try to stick to your normal work times and only perform your work duties in a designated ‘work’ area. If you are not working, or are finding yourself with spare time, consider setting goals and performing tasks that give you a sense of achievement (tend the garden, organise the pantry, finish the laundry, etc).
Keep Active!
It is a well known fact that physical activity can help to reduce the effects of stress but keeping active when there are no gyms available and outdoor activities are limited can make this difficult. You may not be able to do your usual weight routine or walk your favourite paths but there are lots of ways to keep your body moving while in the house or backyard!
Queensland Health have recommended trying out some of the workouts ‘Happier. Healthier.’ have put together (though discussing limitations with a health practitioner is advised). For something a little more relaxed, try doing yoga! There are multiple free classes online (try searching on YouTube) that range from beginner to advanced, just choose one within your capabilities!
Stay Informed!
While it is normal (and important) to want to stay informed, remember that too much exposure to confronting news content could be potentially harmful to your mental well-being. Keep up to date on information via your preferred news source but try to set limits on the amount of time spent watching/reading/listening to news. It is also important to ensure that you are only gaining information from a credible news source to avoid the spread of misinformation.
Make it Fun!
While all of the above are important, making time to enjoy yourself is also very important. Use your free time to cosy up with a movie or good book, start a creative project, get back into an old hobby, or learn a new skill!
Here at Anderson Family Chiropractic, we are keeping our doors open to help keep you feeling good during these stressful times. Whether you’re already seeing one of our practitioners or would like to commence care as part of your plan to keep healthy, give us a call on 4942 6930.
Department of Health and Human Services Victoria | About coronavirus (COVID-19). (2020). Retrieved 5 April 2020, from https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorian-public-coronavirus-disease-covid-19#coping-with-feelings-of-anxiety
Looking after yourself while you’re self-quarantining. (2020). Retrieved 5 April 2020, from https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/self-quarantine-isloation-queensland-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-how-to-look-after-health-wellbeing-mind-body
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