Self-Care During COVID-19

Facts and information about the coronavirus pandemic are constantly changing. Visit the CDC site for the most up-to-date information during the COVID-19 outbreak.

It’s normal to experience stress and anxiety throughout life, but the coronavirus pandemic amplifies these feelings. Adjusting to the new normal and dealing with uncertainty on a daily basis can be exhausting. Take care of your health and well-being through self-care during COVID-19. A mindful approach towards wellness can improve your quality of life.

What is self-care?

Self-care is taking purposeful actions to improve how you feel: it’s intentionally taking care of yourself. This includes the things that we do to take care of our physical health, emotional health, and mental health.

Self-care is a proactive approach towards improving our health, mood, and well-being. Click To Tweet

Prioritizing self-care can be difficult; taking time for yourself is one of the first things to get cut when you’re prioritizing your to do list. Maybe you usually put work, family, or your community first, and there isn’t much time left for you to take care of yourself.

The added stress and uncertainty of COVID-19 means you may have to do more to make sure you’re staying happy and healthy. It’s important to care for those around you, but you can’t neglect your own health and well-being.

Don’t feel guilty for taking time out of your day to care for yourself. Self-care is not being selfish. It’s doing the things that recharge us rather than take away from us. Properly taking care of your own needs helps you stay happy and healthy, which helps you provide for the needs of others.

Practice self-care during COVID-19

Self-care is always important, but it’s especially important to take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health during COVID-19.

Hygiene

Whether you’re quarantining because of exposure to coronavirus or working remotely, there may be days when you do not leave your home. Remember to carry out basic hygiene each day such as brushing your teeth, changing clothes, and bathing.

Stress management

A global health crises like COVID-19 creates anxiety, and it compounds the stress you may feel on a normal day. Take the time to identify when you are feeling stress, and manage that stress.

Do things that you enjoy

Set aside time for yourself each day to do things that bring you joy. This could be gardening, playing a musical instrument, reading, or riding your bicycle.

Avoid or give up unhealthy behaviors

People may turn to drinking alcohol, tobacco use, or other unhealthy habits during times of stress. Try physical activity, breathing exercises, or doing chores around the home instead.

Eat right

Cooking a homemade meal is fun and relaxing, and it helps you avoid eating fast food, takeout, or frozen meals. Cook using real ingredients and choose lean protein, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Talk to others

Share your feelings and talk with family members or close friends. It’s important to stay connected during a time when social distancing is standard practice.

Sleep

One-third of American adults don’t get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep each night is essential for good health. Adults need at least seven hours of sleep every night; choose sleep and wake times to help you meet this recommendation.

Stay active

Physical activity improves your mental health and physical health. Adults need a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity each day. This doesn’t have to be half an hour on the treadmill. Every minute of activity counts, and there are plenty of ways to stay healthy and active at home.

Get organized

Knowing where your keys are when it’s time to leave the home, and getting rid of clutter in your home or workspace can help relieve stress and improve your mood.

Don’t forget medical care

Medical care itself isn’t self-care, but making the time to schedule a visit with your physician could be. “Not having enough time” or “everyday life” are common reasons why people don’t go to the doctor.

Primary care physicians make sure that you are staying healthy, and they offer guidance on ways that you can improve your health on a daily basis.

Don’t delay seeking medical care because of COVID-19. MANA clinics have some of the best doctors in Northwest Arkansas. Find a physician today.