Together, We Will Beat COVID-19!

By Guest Author, Victoria Munson

For many of us, the coronavirus epidemic represents the first truly global crisis to directly and visibly affect how we live our lives. All around the world, the sick and the healthy are staying indoors to prevent the spread of the disease, and many are finding quarantine quite the lifestyle adjustment.

The fact of the matter is, regardless of how much you may want to escape the house, staying indoors is the most effective way of reducing infection and thus saving lives. We’re all going to have to get used to the life of self-isolation for the time being.

But that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Just because our regular routines have been disrupted, doesn’t mean we can’t work, exercise and socialize as we would normally – with a few tweaks here and there.

Let’s Talk Food

Food is the first thing that springs to mind in a self-isolation scenario: Will I have enough? Have I got the right stuff? How will I get any more? First thing’s first: don’t panic.

As Yoda says (paraphrasing), “Fear leads indirectly to suffering.” While this may be an unprecedented scenario, there are some practical and easy things you can do to prepare.

Begin by clearing out your fridge and pantry to make room for healthy, long-lasting food. You’re stuck around the house anyway, may as well take the time to clean out all the expired food and half-eaten leftovers. Make one big meal with it all — assuming it’s still safe to eat — and give your fridge and pantry a good clean while you’re at it.

When buying new food, make sure you’re purchasing food that is nutritious and healthy. It’s easy, in times of stress, to revert to foods high in sugars and fats because they make us feel good. While no one will blame you for buying cookies as a treat, don’t forget healthy foods such as proteins, vegetables, and grains.

You will want to get some non-perishable and dried foods like canned goods, pasta, rice and beans, but please DO NOT STOCKPILE! 

By buying far more than you need, you are putting a strain on the grocery stores, food delivery services, as well as farms. And most importantly, you are literally taking food away from those who might need it. Be sensible about what you buy and think about others in this time of great need.

Keep Your Body Healthy

Being stuck indoors daily is often an excuse to let your exercise regimen slip. Now more than ever, it’s important you stay active as best as you can. 

If you are in a full quarantine scenario, then your body is missing out on typical forms of exercise such as jogging or going to the gym. Further, your body also is missing out with the usual physical activity from your regular activity when not in quarantine.  

Luckily there are plenty of home workouts being offered by a whole range of fitness experts. Many of them require little to no equipment, like this one prescribed by Arnold Schwarzenegger. No one is expecting you to be a bodybuilder by the end of this. But by doing something active once every two days is essential to keeping fit and staving off cabin fever.

Keep Your Mind Healthy

Speaking of which, you also need to think about your mental health at this time. Quarantine is a stressful time for anyone, no matter how positive and optimistic you normally are. So it’s important you take care of yourself and your brain. 

Limit your exposure to news coverage of the virus; some updates are essential, but constant exposure will only fuel your anxiety. Be sure to keep up social contact as much as possible by calling friends and family, video chatting, and playing online games. We are all in this together, sharing your feelings with a friend can really help you feel less isolated.

Wash Your Hands!

It bears repeating: wash your hands, for at least 20 seconds, with soap and hot water, especially after you’ve been out of the house. 

It’s down to each and every one of us to do our part. Together, we will beat this virus!