5 Ways to Maintain Physical and Emotional Health While Social Distancing
We hear a lot today about staying healthy. Whether it’s from the news, blogs, friends, or family, there’s no shortage of channels reminding us to wash our hands frequently and to stay six feet apart from other individuals. If there’s one thing this crisis has taught us, though, self-care is about much more than our physical health. With the implementation of social distancing, many are suffering, and it’s not just those directly afflicted with the novel virus. During these strange and unprecedented times, we all need to be especially mindful of our mental health as well.
Given that, here are five simple ways to keep up your physical and mental well-being during this difficult but temporary time.
- Get Enough Sleep
With social distancing and so much more time at home, you’d think getting an adequate amount of sleep would be easier than ever, but for many people, that’s simply not the case. Whether from anxiety and uncertainty spurred by the pandemic or the inclination to watch just one more episode of that show you’re currently binging, sleep actually seems harder to come by these days.Sleep, however, is incredibly important for mental and physical health. While loads of sleep won’t necessarily boost your immunity, inadequate sleep can be detrimental to it. Most adults should aim for seven to eight hours every night of quality sleep. If you don’t get that, try to work in naps to compensate. - Practice Social Distancing, Not Emotional Distancing
There’s a large contingency of people who believe the term “social distancing” is actually quite harmful. It implies we should all be turning inward during this difficult time rather than relying on the support of our social networks. These people argue “physical distancing” is a more accurate and more helpful term.Whatever verbiage you prefer, however, one thing is clear. Pulling out of this as quickly and safely as possible requires everyone to respect the rules of distancing, but just because we can’t congregate in groups or socialize at restaurants right now doesn’t mean we need to eliminate human contact. Using tools like FaceTime, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, or Zoom, you can have video calls with friends, family, and loved ones. If those tools aren’t for you, you can also text, email, or call people to stay in touch. Here are just a few creative ways people are staying connected during this crisis:- Indulge in virtual happy hours
- Create a collaborative playlist of “quaran-tunes” on your preferred platform (Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, YouTube, etc.)
- Play community games that still respect social distancing, such as a neighborhood round of I spy.
Comment below to share fun, interesting, safe ways you’ve been keeping in touch with friends and loved ones.
- Allow Yourself a News Break
For some, the effects of coronavirus and the resulting regulations have been little more than an inconvenience. For others, this situation has been devastating. How you’re personally dealing with this depends on how you and your loved ones have been directly impacted, as well as your reaction to stressful situations in general.Everyone deals with stress differently, and if you know you have a preexisting mental health condition or you know you simply don’t handle stress well, you might need to allow yourself time and space from the news. Yes, it’s important to stay informed, but with twenty-four-hour news channels, podcasts, social media, and just about every other platform covering COVID-19, it can be an overwhelming amount of information. For some, repeatedly hearing about the pandemic can turn from helpful information to stress-inducing activity. If you find yourself constantly watching, reading, or listening to news stories about coronavirus and getting progressively more stressed, take a break until you feel ready to step back. - Know the Rules of Shelter in Place Mandates
When the local government hands down a mandate to stay in your home except for the most pressing reason (getting food, going to the doctor), the strictness of that order can be shocking. The inclination might be to bar your door, to hunker down, and to wait this thing out. It’s crucial to point out, however, that exercise is considered an essential activity. As long as you don’t go in groups, don’t congregate with others, and respect the six-foot distancing rule, people are actually encouraged to get outside for walks, runs, bike rides, or other physical activity. It can do wonders for both your physical and mental health. - Ask for Help When You Need It
Sometimes the hardest thing is simply asking for the help we need. This crisis has left many people in an unexpected and sudden financial predicament, and the isolating nature of social distancing does little to help. For anyone struggling, though, remember there are many, many available resources. From local food banks to business recovery resources, help is available to those who need it. You just need to ask.
This is a difficult time, but it is temporary, and we will all emerge stronger together on the other side. We wish everyone health and happiness. Be smart, be safe, and be well.
Wondering how the real estate market is faring through this crisis? Check out what RE/MAX agent Ray Gernhart has to say:
Whether you’re interested in talking real estate or need more information about local assistance programs, feel free to reach out. Now is the time to stay emotionally connected, so if you need someone to talk to, Talk to Ray today!
