As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to escalate across the United States, with over 200,000 fatalities reported by September and a flood of inaccurate information circulating, countless individuals are grappling with decisions about their daily behaviors amid the uncertainty.
In the midst of seeking new ways to alleviate stress or enhance overall physical and mental well-being, identifying activities that align with health guidelines can prove challenging. You’re not the only one facing this dilemma, so let’s explore some thoughtful options to navigate this period more safely and comfortably.
If you’re unsure about appropriate actions during the pandemic, consider these suggestions to foster a sense of normalcy while prioritizing safety:
Prioritize Staying Indoors When Unsure
In light of the ongoing risks from COVID-19, numerous everyday pursuits have become potential hazards, yet this doesn’t require abandoning enjoyable pastimes entirely. The key focus remains safeguarding community health for everyone involved.
For instance, steering clear of group settings like indoor fitness sessions for yoga, cycling, or boxing—where heavy breathing and close contact are common—increases the risk of transmission. Similarly, large gatherings such as festivals, social parties, or community events like fairs and parades should be avoided to minimize exposure. These precautions not only shield you but also help curb the virus’s spread to vulnerable populations, according to public health experts.
Before joining any group activity or visiting public spaces, it’s crucial to monitor your own health closely. Being vigilant about COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, or fatigue, allows for prompt self-isolation and testing, preventing unintended transmission. Ultimately, as long as your chosen activities adhere to CDC recommendations—like maintaining six feet of distance and wearing masks—it’s feasible to find moments of respite and engage in relaxing endeavors.
Arrange Those Overdue Health Checkups
The pandemic has significantly disrupted access to routine medical services, as people hesitate to visit facilities due to infection fears, and healthcare providers focus on treating those affected by the virus. Despite this, protecting against other health issues remains vital during isolation periods.
Given that we’ve been adapting to the virus for much of 2020, it’s likely that routine appointments with professionals like dentists, physicians, or eye doctors have been delayed. While concerns about safety are valid, remember that maintaining comprehensive health is essential, especially now, as studies show that unmanaged conditions can exacerbate pandemic-related stresses.
Healthcare facilities have ramped up protective protocols, including routine health screenings for visitors, enforced social distancing, mandatory use of personal protective equipment by staff, and strict mask policies. These measures, backed by organizations like the CDC, ensure that essential care continues with minimized risks, allowing patients to address their needs without undue worry.
Postpone Non-Essential Beauty Services
Although scheduling a trip to the hair salon might seem tempting, it’s currently viewed as a high-risk scenario. The close interaction required between stylists and clients makes maintaining safe distances nearly impossible, and with stylists serving multiple customers daily, the potential for viral spread multiplies.
In contrast, while medical appointments also carry risks, they often address critical health matters. If you must visit a salon, opt for quicker services like a simple trim rather than lengthy procedures such as coloring or highlighting. Health authorities emphasize that non-essential services can wait until conditions improve, helping to reduce community transmission rates.
Revamp Your Everyday Habits
The global fight against COVID-19 has forced many routines to a standstill, leaving people confined at home with limited opportunities for physical exertion. With remote work becoming the norm, daily movement has declined sharply, which can lead to issues like weight gain or weakened immunity, as noted in recent health reports.
A prolonged sedentary lifestyle poses threats to well-being, but crowded venues like gyms or recreational centers are best avoided to prevent infection. As traditional sports and fitness programs remain suspended, finding ways to incorporate exercise safely is essential for boosting the immune system and supporting mental health during quarantine.
Fortunately, incorporating simple, low-risk strategies can help maintain fitness levels. Here are a few practical approaches:
• Switch to an Stability Ball: Replace your standard office chair with a stability ball to engage your core muscles and improve posture throughout the day. If that doesn’t suit your setup, consider standing at your desk to enhance blood flow and reduce the risks associated with prolonged sitting, a common concern in ergonomics studies.
• Step Away for a Midday Stroll: In pre-pandemic times, lunch breaks offered a natural pause for rejuvenation. Now, with work-from-home blurring boundaries, it’s easy to skip them, but taking time to walk around your local area—while wearing a mask and observing distancing guidelines—provides exercise, fresh air, and a mental reset, all while aligning with safety protocols.
• Explore Office-Based Workouts: This year calls for innovative fitness solutions, such as “deskercise,” which involves easy exercises and stretches performed at your workstation to alleviate the discomfort from extended periods of inactivity. These can be done anywhere, from your couch to your workspace, and help counteract the sedentary effects linked to modern lifestyles.
Amid heightened health vulnerabilities, adding more activity to your schedule is crucial, as research indicates that regular exercise strengthens the body’s defenses and aids emotional resilience. Even without access to traditional facilities, creative adaptations make it possible to stay active and healthy.
Embark on a Fresh Pursuit
Adding a new interest to your daily life can be a safe way to break the monotony of quarantine. Activities like gardening offer a low-risk option, allowing you to venture outdoors, stay physically engaged, and create an uplifting environment that promotes relaxation and joy.
From selecting ideal trees for yard shading to initiating a community vegetable garden, this hobby not only reduces stress but also encourages vitamin D exposure through sunlight, which supports immune function. Plus, it’s an inclusive activity for family members, fostering connections beyond screen time and providing shared accomplishments.
Of course, if gardening doesn’t appeal, there are other secure alternatives, including painting, sewing, golfing in open spaces, fishing with proper precautions, or hiking on less crowded trails. Navigating what’s safe in these times requires caution until vaccines are widespread, but attending to your well-being ensures you remain as robust and content as possible.
Though tending to physical, mental, and emotional needs has grown more complex, incorporating these strategies can help restore a semblance of normalcy and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
