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OHIOHEALTH

Self-Care While Quarantined

If you are feeling stressed, anxious or depressed right now, know you are not alone. These feelings are common, especially during a pandemic. Many are now working from home in close quarters, some while trying to teach their kids. Others are facing unemployment with uncertainty about what’s next. And all of us are under orders to stay home as much as possible.

In circumstances like these, it’s critical to make self-care a priority for you and your family. Don’t let your mental health take a back seat. Taking time to focus on what’s important and doing the things that make you happy will ease the burden of stress and new routines.

Here are some ways you can practice self-care from home.

Take charge of your routine


Don’t let working in a new environment or adjusting to a new workflow throw you off track. Figure out what you need from your space and others to be productive during your days. Get up, get ready and make a list of things you need to accomplish each day. It will help you maintain a sense of normalcy.

Keep moving

It’s important to stay active. Exercise releases endorphins and serotonin, chemicals in your body that improve your mood. It can also be a way for you to unplug and recharge.

You can find workouts and fitness tips on the OhioHealth Blog. Many companies are also offering virtual workouts to keep you moving at home, and your gym may have new online classes.

  • Peloton is offering a 90-day free trial on its mobile app. This includes workouts that are suitable for any bike or treadmill. They also offer floor workouts, yoga and meditation classes.
  • Barry’s Bootcamp trainers are hosting 20-minute workouts through Instagram live. This strength and cardiovascular workout is popular among celebrities, and all of the workouts are equipment-free. They will be saving the videos to Instagram TV if you can’t tune in while they’re live.
  • YogaWorks is live streaming many classes for free through YouTube, ranging from 60 to 90 minutes.
  • YouTube has an abundance of free workout videos, too. Just type your favorite kind of workout into the search bar.

Write it down

Journaling can be whatever you make it. You may find it therapeutic to release your thoughts and emotions onto paper. It can also help you identify stressors and prioritize concerns.

Out with the old

This is a great time to do some spring cleaning. Deep clean your house. Go through your closet and make a pile of clothes to get rid of or donate. Marie Kondo those drawers. With the new stay at home order, this is a perfect opportunity to get your house in tiptop shape.

Step outside

As the days get warmer, spend more time outdoors (just maintain a 6-foot distance from others). Soaking in nature and enjoying fresh air can be invigorating and restorative.

Boost your mood with food

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and protein to maintain energy and boost your immune system. You can also try these six foods that fight depression. Avoid refined carbohydrates like candy, white breads, pasta and alcohol, to create mood stability.

Hit the sack

Getting more than seven hours of sleep each night helps your body stay healthy and your mind stay focused. If you’re having trouble getting some shut-eye, try one of these five sleep apps.

Limit screen time

Don’t sit around all day with the television on the news – the information isn’t drastically changing by the minute. If you feel the need to stay informed, identify one or two trusted news sources, and schedule times to monitor them for updates.

Connect with others

You’re not alone. Keep in touch with family and friends. Make your happy hours virtual or call a friend on a walk. Thanks to technology, it is easy to stay connected.

 

Go to COVID-19 Toolkit page on OhioHealth blog

 

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