These Tips Will Make You Healthier In The Midst of COVID-19

As much as we agree with trying our hardest to stay positive, we also need to address the elephant in the room. Until there is a clear-cut, identified cure or fully developed vaccine to protect all of us from the COVID-19, we will have to learn with all these limitations. Furthermore, we might as well start easing into this so-called “new normal”. 

According to several experts and trusted sources, the feeling of uncertainty and anxiety creeping in has been more rampant than usual, and rightfully so. To make things easier and as bearable as possible for everyone, we have come up with a list of COVID-19 health tips. 

This kind of pandemic is something that we have not witnessed in almost an entire century. In as quick as the blink of an eye – life as we know it has changed. No more spontaneous trips to the beach with the friends. No more late night movies at the cinema. No more getting together with friends and loved ones. As difficult as it is to admit and even if it does not seem like it – being asked to stay in isolation is for our own well-being and safety. By staying indoors, we are lessening the likelihood of catching the virus and spreading it to other possibly immunocompromised people. Even more so, the isolation is one way to give us more time to keep ourselves. 

We know it is much easier said than done but here are some COVID-19 health tips to make the most out of the ongoing home quarantine. 

Sleep 8 Hours A Day 

Like we have already mentioned, having a mind that is fogged with negative thoughts, hopelessness and anxiety has become more common than we think. In fact, several research reports that more and more people are experiencing insomnia as we speak. Perhaps, you may not notice it but you are probably having trouble sleeping at your usual bedtime or suddenly catching yourself awake and binge-watching until the wee hours of the morning. 

Now, we cannot stress this enough : getting a full 8-hours of sleep is essential to your overall health. The lack of sleep, whether insomnia-induced or voluntary, is more dangerous than you think. Without proper sleep, your body organs are unable to function at an optimal rate, your body does not detoxify and you become more susceptible to almost all forms of diseases. 

If you ever find yourself struggling with falling asleep, here is a no-fail trick you can try doing : find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and resist any urge to move for the next 15 minutes. You will be fast asleep before you know it. 

As fun and enjoyable sleeping is for some people, others find it difficult to get some good z’s. It sounds easy but getting a good-quality 8-hour sleep entails more discipline than you know. On top of that, what time you sleep, how deep your sleep is and how regularly you get it matters more than the length of your slumber in itself. 

Diversify Your Diet

One of the things we are missing the most is eating outside. Luckily, a lot of major restaurants and local diners have found a way to do curbside delivery. Some were also able to develop a system for taking advanced orders ready for pick up. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with eating your favourite food once a while just to add a touch of normalcy into everyday, take this isolation as an opportunity to diversify your diet. 

As children, we were often taught that the more colorful our plates were, the healthier we probably would be. Instead of having the same burger or steak every single night, why not try adding in some home cooked meals into your spread. Perhaps a salad, once a day. Or a family-cherished recipe you have not been able to try for the longest time. Not only will it benefit your health, home cooked meals are often at least fifty percent cheaper than the ones you buy in stores too. On top of that, cooking can be a therapeutic activity you can share with your family. 

This leads us to our next point. 

Consider Going Plant-Based, Vegetarian or If You Are Up for It, Vegan

Woah there. From simply diversifying your diet to jumping into a fully plant-based one? Yes. You read that right. However, allow us to go into more details on this one. 

We get it. Opting for a whole foods plant-based, vegetarian or vegan diet can be too drastic a step for anybody and we understand that. While we do not judge your diet (your body, your choices!), several researches suggest that lessening the world’s meat consumption can actually be one of the long-term solutions to preventing pandemics from happening. 

Here’s why: Most, if not all, pandemics known to man have been caused by animal consumption. While some viruses can be found in, say, birds, bats, or any other creatures we do not have direct access or interaction with, they somehow find their way into our bodies when they are eaten by the animals served on our tables. Aside from that, tons of germs and viruses that have yet to be discovered are slowly reemerging from their deaths (a.k.a. Being frozen for thousands of years) because of climate change. Animal consumption is one of the biggest contributors because of its very large carbon footprint. 

By consuming less meat and eating more plants, you are not only doing your body or the animals a favor. You are also doing your part in saving our planet. It sounds cheesy – but it is what it is! 

Get Moving! 

Because of everything that is going on in your head, it could feel like you are exhausted beyond measure despite staying on your couch the entire day. Most of the time, watching another episode of your favourite series on netflix feels like a much better idea than breaking a sweat. We get it. We totally understand. 

Now, here is some advice : one of the ways to be in full control of your mind is being in full control of your body. By exercising, you are commanding your brain to release happy hormones to improve your mood. In the process, as you carry heavier weight and run for longer periods of time, you are becoming mentally strong without knowing. 

When all of this is over, it also would not hurt to be in a better shape when you and your friends finally get to see each other again, right? Kidding aside, a stronger body is more capable of fighting off viruses and diseases. If your busy lifestyle has always been a hindrance to achieving those fitness goals – now is the time to get into it. You never know when you will have THIS much time again. Hopefully, not anytime soon. 

Vitamins, Minerals and More Vitamins & More Minerals 

Whether you are a meat eater, a whole foods plant-based person, or a full-fledged (and hard earned!) vegan, it just is not possible to get all the nutrients you need in the food that you eat. Facts only. Unfortunately, the bioavailability of the meat, fish, fruits and vegetables we consume on the daily keeps declining. Thankfully, the solution is quite simple : Vitamins and Minerals through proper supplementation. 

While a lot of people shy away from the idea of taking supplements, it is actually scientifically proven that even the simplest forms of supplements can help you achieve proper nutrition. If you know your body well-enough, you can opt to add vitamins and minerals of your choice into your diet through natural alternative supplements. On the other hand, if you are not too familiar and are dealing with underlying conditions, it is best as always to get in touch with a trusted physician. 

In the beginning, vitamins and minerals may seem a little scary or intimidating at best. However, do keep in mind that prevention is always better than cure. Your future self will thank you for it. 

Practice Proper Hygiene

It may sound too simple but you know what they say, common sense is not always so common! Now, more than ever, is the best time to be meticulous about your personal hygiene. We know it is tempting to just stay in bed and skip the shower since you will practically just be staying home. No one will see you and all the more, no one gets to smell you. Yup, we know what you are thinking! 

But no, you have never been more wrong! One of the simplest and surest COVID-19 health tips is to keep your body clean by regularly taking a shower. Once a day works but twice a day is much better. Also, wash your hands and sanitize every single time you can. If you have not showered and have been looking for a sign – this is it. This is the sign you are looking for. 

Lastly, and perhaps, the most important of all : isolate physically but not emotionally. Keep your mental health in check. Talk to your trusted loved ones and spend time with them every single time you can, albeit only through a screen. 

We hope these simple fool proof tips can help. Let’s beat COVID-19 together!