Staying Healthy During the Pandemic

It has now been a year since shutdowns began in the U.S. and we think everyone can agree that it’s been exhausting! Now more than ever, it’s important to take care of both your mental and physical health to get through the pandemic. Here are some helpful hints to help you cope with an already stressful time:

1. Maintain a daily routine. Get up every day at the same time, get dressed, get organized, and, most importantly, make a healthy breakfast! We all tend to want routines and it gives us comfort knowing what to expect for the day.
2. Eat a healthy diet. Choose raw, healthy vegetables and unprocessed foods. Try to limit alcohol and treats that are high in sugar.
3. Plan a daily walk with the dog or hike with the family to stay healthy, connected and enjoy some outdoor air.
4. Stay social. While video chatting, instant messaging, and texting may not be ideal, it’s still important to maintain bonds with family and friends. Use technology to connect in new ways by trying a virtual happy hour or book club. Don’t hibernate and remain isolated. Find your socially distanced crew!
5. Maintain your self/health care. Certain tests can be delayed or postponed, but it’s important to get routine checkups with healthcare professionals. Mammograms and colonoscopies, while routine tests, detect early disease and can be lifesaving. Make sure you’re up to date.
6. Find new projects. Tackle a minor house renovation, learn a new language, read a book, or start a new hobby. The novelty of new adventures can raise low spirits, pandemic or not.
7. Go on a “news diet.” Keeping up with the news 24/7 can be draining as it’s often full of depressing and frustrating stories. Try to limit the amount of time you spend reading and following the news.
8. Boost your immune system. Besides a healthy diet, regular sleep, and a solid exercise plan, consider some immune-boosting vitamins or foods rich in these natural nutrients. The best vitamins are A, C, D, E, zinc, and selenium. Consult your healthcare professional if you want to consider adding vitamins to your daily regimen.
9. Make smart decisions. Remember that masks are not a political statement. They save lives. Mask up, practice social distancing, and wash your hands. Be outside if you’re able and celebrate holidays virtually and safely.
10. Cultivate and enhance your relationship. Don’t forget your partner or spouse is going through the same issues you are. Focus on improved communication and don’t put sexual intimacy on the backburner. And there’s nothing wrong with adding a little spice and adventure to the bedroom. Sex is an excellent stress reliever!

Almost three quarters of women feel their lives have been disrupted significantly by the pandemic, so it’s important to take time every day for your mental and physical health. Routines are key in times of stress. And remember, sex can drop the stress meter!