The rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus forced us to change our ways in such a short notice. It’s like we just woke up one day, and couldn’t hug our friends anymore. Nearly nine months down the road, a vaccine is finally available, but it doesn’t end the struggle yet. We may have to live with the new normal for the long term.
The pervasive sense that the world is fundamentally unpredictable will linger in all of us even after the eradication of COVID-19. We will likely maintain the new habits we’ve learned, such as observing physical distancing, covering our mouths when we cough or sneeze, or avoiding densely crowded places. In addition, we may view health and mental health in a new light; they’ll become more important for us, especially if we’ve taken them for granted before.
On a positive note, the pandemic has led to increased public awareness about self-care. According to new research, consumers are now more involved in their healthcare journeys and demonstrate a changed behavior for the sake of greater health practices. Europeans, in particular, were found to take extra precautions to avoid spreading illnesses and to be more responsible for their own health to relieve pressure on healthcare systems.
That said, you can also contribute to the improved well-being of your community by taking care of yourself better as the end of the pandemic is becoming clearer. Here are the ways you maintain a good well-being after COVID-19:
1. Have a Well-balanced Diet
The pandemic has made us realize how important a well-balanced diet really is. So from now, try to consume all the necessary food groups, and limit your junk food and sweets intake. A healthy diet will not just boost your immune system, but your mental health as well.
2. Get Lots of Exercise
When we’re all in quarantine, many people decided to get fit again and join workout challenges on social media. If you’re one of those people, keep your game face on and continue challenging yourself to stay fit. Physical activity is a vital part of a healthy diet as well.
3. Listen to Your Body
If you feel exhausted, get some rest. Likewise, take time off to replenish your strength or get treatment when you’re feeling sick. However, don’t feel paranoid about your health; just be vigilant. The pandemic may have instilled fear in us when it comes to our health, but don’t stimulate this fear further. Instead, turn it into a motivation to prioritize your health more. It will stop you from feeling guilty when you can’t be productive for the day.
Listening to your body will also help you understand what you truly need to get better. Of course, this doesn’t mean doing self-diagnosis, but rather, being more aware of your pains and discomforts, so that you can relay it to your doctor more clearly. For example, if you’ve been dealing with lower back pain for a while now because of working all day, consider consulting the best chiropractor in your area. It will help you determine whether your aches are a result of a musculoskeletal strain or another health issue.
4. Take Care of Your Home
Maintaining your home and keeping your spaces tidy are also forms of self-care. After all, your environment affects the quality of your life. If your home is free of clutter, dirt, and maintenance issues, you’ll deal with anxiety and stress less.
Furthermore, a clean space will make you healthier. Owning an air purifier, for instance, will keep indoor air pollutants away from your home. Meanwhile, the simple act of washing the dishes right after meals and making your bed every morning can help you spend each day in a better mood.
Though these self-care methods aren’t really new, we may view them with increased interest now, because the pandemic has made us appreciate the things we only brushed off before. Therefore, invest in yourself in 2021, and always be remind yourself that you are a survivor of a health crisis.