Health should be a top priority for us all, whether we’re in the middle of a pandemic or not. However, because we’re all stuck at home right now, it’s especially vital that we check in with ourselves every day and make sure that our health is where it should be, especially those of us at risk of developing severe symptoms if they catch it.
While you might feel a bit constricted right now being at home and worried about your health because of COVID-19, there are lots of ways that you can stay on top of your health without going anywhere. Let’s take a look at four ways to stay healthy during the lockdown at home.
1. Get Some House Plants
How much do you love being in nature? None of us can get out and be in nature as much as we’d like to right now, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t bring nature to you.
There are many reasons why having house plants can make a positive difference in your health. Not only do they make your home a little bit more environmentally friendly, but they also act as natural air filters. This means that they keep the air inside your home fresh and clean, which in turn keeps your lungs nice and healthy.
2. Stay Organised to Reduce Stress
There’s a lot to be said for having a routine, and in this climate of uncertainty and multiple external factors outside of our control, establishing a routine is essential.
Try to wake up and have a morning routine. This is a great way to start the day because it motivates you to be productive and take care of yourself. It also gives you something to look forward to in the morning that you can count on, no matter what.
Try to keep your house clean, too, and experiment with decluttering to give yourself space to live. Keeping calm and minimizing the stress in your life right now is essential to maintaining your physical health, which in turn may reduce the risk of developing symptoms.
3. Check-In with Your Sexual Health
Your sexual health might be the last thing on your mind right now. However, the reality is that most of us can’t get to a doctor, so checking in with yourself regarding things like your sexual health is actually pretty important to keeping your general health and well-being in check.
The great news is that you can do so comfortably and discreetly, without even having to ring the doctor up. An STD test kit is a simple yet effective tool that you can easily use in the comfort of your own home. You can send away for results the same day, and get that peace of mind you’ve been wanting.
4. Try Diaphragmatic Breathing
One of the most important reasons to stay healthy right now is so that we don’t get the virus. If you’re concerned about being at risk of getting it, try some breathing exercises that can increase lung capacity.
Diaphragmatic breathing, otherwise known as ‘belly breathing’ is a breathing exercise that emphasises the diaphragm as opposed to the lungs. This means that your lungs are doing less of the heavy lifting, giving them a chance to replenish themselves and stay healthy. Inhale through your nose and try to take all the air into your stomach, instead of your lungs. Exhale slowly through a semi-closed mouth.
Keeping on top of your health while stuck at home to avoid the virus is easier said than done. However, there are some helpful tips and tricks, like the ones above, that can make it a little bit more manageable.