With the Covid-19 epidemic in full swing, here in the UK, we are all being urged to stay at home and self isolate as much as possible. This brings with it many challenges.
I say “challenges” because although things seem surreal and impossible right now, there are ways to deal with them effectively and stay in a positive mental state.
I’d like to share with you some helpful tips on keeping on top of your wellness while in isolation.
Boost your immune system
Research on the effects of loneliness suggests that when people lack social connections they are more likely to get sick.
The good news is that this period of self-isolation needed for coronavirus will not change how your immune system works, so it’s simply a case of keeping on top of the same healthy habits that we should be doing daily.
Drink plenty of water, starting when you get up in the morning and every hour during the day. This will help keep your immune system ticking along.
Focus on nutritionally rich foods. Make sure that you are eating plenty of fruit, veg, and protein. Research has shown that nutrition is crucial for positive mental health.
Boost your nutrition with effective supplementation. Vitamin D is particularly important for those of you who are a bit more housebound than others. Read more about the benefits of supplementation.
Lastly, keep your alcohol intake to a minimum. Drinking can have a negative effect on your immune system and mental state when combined with isolation.
If you follow this advice you should keep your immune system in good shape and keep you physically healthy.
Keep to a daily routine
For some people, self-isolation might lead to some mental health issues. Some people who are self-isolating may have difficulties with sleep, feelings of restlessness or sadness, or start to feel demotivated.
This is why it’s important to keep to a consistent daily routine. Make sure that you keep a consistent sleep pattern. Go to bed at your usual time and get up at your usual time. Don’t have a lie-in. Be consistent.
Plan out your daily tasks. Write them down if you have to.
These tasks can include:
Meals
Work
Household chores
Self-development
Meditation
Family time
This is by no means an exhaustive list but you should get the idea.
A consistent daily routine will make sure that you are keeping busy and productive during this difficult time.
Keep social contact with others
A reason why isolated people feel low or anxious is that they can’t draw on the support of friends and families to help them deal with difficult situations.
So during self-isolation, you should try to connect with as many of your friends and family as possible. It is easier than ever now due to your WhatsApp, Skype, and Facetime. There’s no excuse. Be there for others and they’ll be there for you.
Perhaps reach out to those who aren’t so friend rich or those that you’ve lost contact with for whatever reasons.
In short, be open, be available and be compassionate.
Avoid conflict at home and online
Being around family and friends 24/7 can cause conflict and could present some challenges, including arguments. Even those we love dearly can get on our nerves when we’re around them long enough.
It’s important to have some personal space. A good way to do this is to set aside some quiet time every day, where you’re doing individual activities. This could be reading books in quiet for an hour a day, listening to music in different rooms, or taking the dog for a walk.
There’s also the issue of conflict online. Social media is rife with trouble makers, looking to upset and anger. If this is the case on your social feed, don’t rise to it, just hit that block button. Easy peasy!
Exercise regularly and consistently
I’ve saved the best for last. Movement is medicine and it is probably the most important step to take. Exercising consistently helps boost your immunity, improves your mood, and will keep you from gaining weight while isolated.
There are many types of exercise that can be done without expensive equipment or going to a gym. So gyms being closed is no excuse.
You can do yoga in the comfort of your own living room. You can go for daily walks, alone or with your dog (I love my dog), or do a bit of gardening.
I would schedule an outdoor activity at least a couple of times a week to combine your movement while getting a boost from the sun.
There’s also resistance training. Get yourself an aerobic step (or use your stairs) and some resistance bands. Make your home the gym.
We are also here to help. Check our previous movement and mechanics blogs for some ideas. Also, we offer online coaching packages to help with this. Contact us for more information.
I know this is a trying time for everyone. Remember that we’re all in this together and we’ll come out of the other side together.
Stay healthy, happy, and healthy!
“Strength For Life”
Davie,
Davie McConnachie
Davie McConnachie is Scotland’s leading health and wellness coach, multi-award-winning gym owner, motivational speaker and the founder of DMC Fitness, a fitness education facility known as the premier choice for 1-2-1 personal training. He has inspired thousands of people to fall in love with fitness – his true purpose and mission in life.
Diving into the world of fitness and wellness has helped Davie to deal with his own trauma and inner demons. He, overcame many dark times using his own unique methods to continue his cycle of healing.