The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the complete disruption of our normal routines, especially when a lockdown is being enforced to prevent a steep increase in infection rates. While it can be somewhat difficult to adjust to a long period of uncertainty and change, staying at home is perhaps the most important thing that you can do to stay safe. Since the extended period of forced isolation can have multiple repercussions on your physical and mental health, it is important that you know how to take care of yourself to stay healthy during a lockdown. Here are some tips recommended by doctors:
Follow a Routine
Regardless of whether you are working from home or not, it is vital that you set a routine for yourself just as you do under normal circumstances. Wake up in the morning and also retire at night at the same time to keep your body clock steady. Aim to get at least 7-9 hours of restful sleep every night. Have your breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the proper times, resist the temptation to have a nap, keep moving every now and then, and keep yourself relaxed at much as possible. Remember to take your daily medicines as per the usual schedule.
Include Exercise into the Daily Routine
Since it is not advisable to go outdoor for a walk or a run, you can do some light exercises or yoga in the morning. You can even put the treadmill or exercise cycle gathering dust in the garage to good use now. You can try out a few lunges, squats, or planks but remember to take it easy if you are doing them after a long time. If you have a patio or a garden, you can walk briskly for half an hour to get your heart rate up. Getting your daily dose of exercise not only improves your physical health and fitness but also promotes good sleep, reduces anxiety and stress, makes you feel good, and improves cognition and memory. According to https://www.huffingtonpost.in, it is really important to stay disciplined regarding exercising and stay healthy during a lockdown.
Eat Healthy
A healthy diet reduces the risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and keeps your weight in check besides preventing anxiety and depression. It is wise to focus on eating vegetables, whole grains, and fruits to have a balanced intake of Vitamins and essential minerals. Go slow on processed foods as they tend to be very high on sugar, salt, and chemicals. Consume yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented foods to take advantage of their probiotic effect for better gut health. Staying healthy during a lockdown is a very good opportunity for getting rid of bad habits like smoking, consuming alcohol, and addictive substances. Use the helplines if you need support. Keep yourself hydrated well by drinking at least two liters of water daily.
Conclusion
Being in a lockdown situation is not something that you may be familiar with and it is important that you do not let the uncertainty and change bog you down. Be kind to yourself and others in your family and make it a point to stay connected over the phone with family, relatives, and friends, not to forget office colleagues.
