Litza Braun
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As I was working in the ER, I honestly did not have enough time to truly evaluate how social distancing affected people. Now that I am out of the ER, I have had some time to think. ???? And another thing that makes me think about this term is “Social Distancing During COVID-19”.
I’ve realised a few things. Although social distancing is a way to reduce the spread of coronavirus, it is also affecting people in multiple ways. We are social beings. We thrive on social interactions. There is a reason why premature babies who are put together in the same crib have better outcomes than those who are in their personal ones.
And as much as some of us enjoy alone time, that time is usually optional. Social distancing can lead to social isolation, and perceived isolation has been shown to increase a person’s morbidity and mortality. It means it affects your health in more ways than one.
I don’t want any of you to perceive yourselves as isolated or alone, because you’re not. The rest of the world is with you, living through the same thing. ????
Despite the need for physical isolation, you DO NOT need to be socially isolated. But that is not the only thing happening this time. There are no restaurants, concerts, ball games, or social gatherings at places like churches, synagogues, or temples. The shutdown also means GYMS are closed and public pools and beaches are closed.
What activities might you consider engaging in during this period? Unfortunately, the fast-paced nature of life has stifled our creativity. We never had the time to find new ways to spend our time, what with our jobs and bills and social media/technology, Netflix, video games, etc. Time was never in our favor. Now, it seems time is standing still for a brief moment. So what can you do? Consider the obvious first, followed by the less obvious.
This information probably does not come as a surprise: I promote exercise. But I do it because, as you may have already read in my other blog posts, the benefits of exercise are NOT ONLY physical. They are also emotional. They reduce symptoms of depression. It can be an excellent outlet for anxiety, fear, and anger. Get endorphins roaming through your bloodstream and making you feel “good”. And we all need a little bit of that, especially now. Does it matter what kind of exercise you engage in? NOPE.
As many of you follow the orders to stay indoors and stay 6 ft from others, here are a few awesome choices to get that blood pumping: You can engage in yoga, go for a run, use an at-home gym, engage in YouTube workouts such as High-intensity interval training (HIIT), or even play video games like Wii Fit. How about playing some music at home and just dancing? (I did this recently… felt so good!)
Retrieve your old DVD workout videos, such as P90X or similar titles. If you have a pool, go for a swim. Walk your pets! Play with your kids! Do laundry, clean the house, etc. Seriously! You will benefit from working out and having a racing heart.
A balanced meal is the best way to stay in shape. Exercise helps, sure, but we all know that staying fit is 70% diet and 30% exercise. SO, eating the right thing is a wonderful way to keep your energy levels high, avoid the midday crash, and make sure you don’t need to go on a shopping spree for a new wardrobe that fits properly. Why do I say this?
I know…that with boredom comes so many other things, including walking over to the fridge multiple times a day to then sit back down on the sofa or lie back in bed. It happens. This explains the prevalence of TikTok videos featuring people frantically running from their beds or couches to their fridges and back. The best way to maintain your true self during this time is to eat plenty of colorful, fresh foods. The brighter, the better.
They should make your mouth water! You’ve nailed it! That’s right… veggies, fruits. Stick to your healthy eating habits as much as you can during this time. What you eat can affect your energy, your mood, and your self-esteem (especially if it changes your physique). Overeating can also lead to acid reflux, indigestion, and abdominal discomfort. A diet low in fruits and vegetables results in low-fiber intake, which can lead to constipation; this condition is uncomfortable, particularly for those who are typically very regular. Explore the coronavirus impact on media and changing communication trends.
If you haven’t had the chance yet, I invite you to read my post on sleep deprivation and its effects. If not, feel free to do so. However, allow me to provide a brief overview. Sleep affects your energy level, but it also affects your mood, your appetite, your concentration, your ability to multitask, and your patience.
Insomnia can cause depression and vice versa. Your body and mind are connected. Disturb one, and the other is affected.
This is why getting adequate sleep will be so crucial for not only your physical health but your mental heal
th as well.
But why am I even mentioning this? You used to have a schedule. Be up at a certain time; be somewhere at a specific time. So naturally, you went to bed at a particular time. BUT…now there is none of that. No schedules for many of you, so there is no reason to go to bed early or wake up early. This affects your sleep, and it will affect all the above-mentioned things too.
How? Technology is a two-sided sword. Although it can alienate you from active life, it can also keep you connected even when you’re not. Consider downloading a few applications to keep you connected with friends and family. Here are some of my favorites:
Use Steam to play video games with friends from anywhere in the world. Please ensure you continue engaging with others, even if it’s in a virtual setting. There is no need to be socially isolated, not when technology can help. You can play virtual games, have virtual girls’ nights, date nights, family get-togethers, etc. The point is that you can stay socially connected despite your physical distance.
I hope these few tips assist you in practicing social distancing during COVID-19. To keep you active, keep your body and mind healthy, and nurture your relationships during this difficult time in the world.
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