There are now over a million cases of COVID-19, and the numbers continue to rise. People around the globe are united in their shared fear for the health of loved ones. And while our lives have been disrupted, economically and socially, there are some basic steps you can take to protect yourself and others during this time.
Self-Care Plan
Self-care is always important, but now more than ever. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by pandemic news feeds that are updated every hour, but self-care activities can help buffer you from the tragedy, and recharge when you’re feeling low.
Social Distancing
There’s speculation that the rapid spread of COVID-19 is largely a result of interaction with individuals who have mild symptoms to none at all. This makes it impossible to know who’s carrying the virus due to our lack of sufficient testing. That’s why social distancing is the most critical way you can protect yourself and others during the pandemic.
Sunlight
Health officials have warned us for years that too much sun damages our skin, but sunlight has mood-lifting benefits, too. We’re all spending more time indoors than usual, so it’s important to note that a lack of sun exposure causes serotonin levels to drop. This puts us at greater risk for depression to creep in. The cycle of light and dark also trigger the release of other hormones, like melatonin, which regulates sleep. So nurture your mental health by letting a little sunlight into your day.
Maintaining Social Connections
While our social lives have been put on hold for the greater good, there’s also a lot of loneliness going around right now. Fortunately, our high-tech world makes it easier to maintain social ties during these long weeks or months of lockdown. Protect yourself by remembering to reach out to others, even though it’s only virtually.
Online Learning
The pandemic has ignited a new demand for online learning. Millions of children will finish out the remainder of the school year through web platforms. In fact, this time may cause an irreversible shift toward more remote opportunities. If you have some extra time on your hands, consider taking an online class, or exploring a hobby you’ve always wanted to try. You might just find a new passion. Though our lives have changed in shocking and unexpected ways, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and others. If you have more ideas for ways to handle the strain of self-isolation, share in the comments below. We love hearing from you. Stay safe.
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