For over five months, the COVID-19 outbreak has brought dramatic changes to people’s lives. Most countries face economic slowdown as unemployment, income losses, and financial hardships drastically arise. Many experience isolation, loneliness, and interruption of their normal routine. As physical distancing is imperative to slow down the spread of coronavirus, social activities such as hanging out with friends, fitness classes, sports, school, traveling, and many more have been postponed. 

While people wish for everything to go back to normal, no one can tell how long this pandemic is going to last. With all these uncertainties and sudden shift in society, the coronavirus pandemic is taking a toll on everyone’s health. 

Taking care of your physical health 

Being stuck at home all day can lead to unhealthy lifestyle changes — more time sitting on the couch, increased alcohol or smoke intake, stress-eating, and no time for exercise. Letting these poor habits take over your normal routine can eventually sabotage your immune system and overall health. Here are some tips to keep your body in good shape while at home: 

• Stay active. Regular physical activity is beneficial for both the mind and body. According to WHO, adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity in a week. This improves bone and muscle strength, blood circulation, and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and cancer —all conditions that are more prone to COVID-19. 

• Eat healthy. Good nutrition can help the body prevent, fight, and recover from infections. Eat home-cooked meals rather than unhealthy take outs. Choose fresh produce, like fruits and vegetables, to ensure that the body is getting the proper nutrients it needs for a stronger immune system. For daily intake, the WHO recommends eating 2 cups of fruit, 2.5 cups of vegetables, 180g of grains, and 160g of meat and beans.  

• Sleep well. All the stress and worries brought by this pandemic can disrupt a person’s sleeping pattern. Some of the factors include disrupted daily schedule, the feeling of isolation, more time on screens, and even unpleasant dreams. Not getting enough quality sleep can affect your energy, focus, and ability to function during the day. There are ways to prevent this by minimizing naps during the day, setting a regular bedtime schedule, and having healthy daytime habits. 

Taking care of your mental health 

Feeling anxious and stressed is normal during the pandemic. To get through this tough situation, it is helpful to control what you see and limit the factors that can trigger such emotions. If you think the stress is getting out of hand, here are some ways to protect your mental health: 

• Take a break from the news. While it is very important to stay updated on what is happening, it could also be draining. Follow only the trusted sources to avoid getting misinformation that leads to unnecessary stress. Limit the amount of time you spend on social media and set a specific schedule to check in with the news. 

• Stay connected with family and friends. Social distancing is not a hindrance to connecting with people. Because long periods of isolation can make someone feel alone, communication is key to maintaining good mental health. A simple call or text with family and friends can go a long way. 

• Avoid burnout. Keeping calm during a pandemic is already challenging. It even gets tougher when work and life at home need to be integrated. According to a recent survey, 54% of 1,000 employees feel more stressed about working from home. To avoid burnout, one must set realistic goals for the day and switch off at work at a designated time. This allows you to breathe, slow things down, and do the things that make you happy. Practicing daily meditation also can help relax and rejuvenate the mind and body. 

• Explore new healthy habits. Doing the same old routine can make a person feel exhausted and unmotivated. Think of new ways how you can still be productive and feel excited while at home. Starting a new project such as gardening, yoga, and learning a new skill can keep you calm and steer in positive thoughts inside your mind.  

Safety precautions in the new normal 

As everyone walks their way to the new normal, it is important to focus more on prevention to stay safe. Without following precautionary measures, all spent weeks in isolation may eventually go to waste. So while the virus is still out there, following these simple actions can save your life and everyone around you.  

• Masks. When leaving home, always wear a mask to protect yourself and others. A mask is two-way protection to keep us all from breathing each other’s air and from contracting any infectious germs and viruses. Avoid touching the mask while using it and dispose of immediately after use into a proper trash bin. 

• Physical Distancing. Greeting someone, such as a handshake or hug, is a big NO in the new normal. Keeping one-meter distance is essential to slow the person-to-person transmission of coronavirus. As much as possible, just stay home and avoid crowded places where it is difficult to keep a distance from people. If you are feeling sick, practice self-isolation to limit contact with others.  

• Washing hands and good hygiene. Handwashing plays a powerful role in fighting COVID-19, especially after returning from a public place, before eating food, and after coughing or sneezing. The physical action of scrubbing hands with soap washes the fragments of the virus away when you rinse. When soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol is the next best option.  

Signs to watch out for if you need help 

With COVID-19 concerns dominating our daily lives, it is important to know when this pandemic is creating a negative impact on your overall well-being. 

Some of the signs include: 

• Anxiety and depression 
• Mood changes, such as ongoing irritability 
• Sleeping less or too much 
• Finding it hard to manage everyday life 
• Extreme weight loss and changes in eating patterns
• Problems with memory, thinking, and concentration

If you think you are experiencing these circumstances recently, it is advised to get help and talk to your doctor as early as now. 

Getting protection for you and your family wherever you go 

Now more than ever, a healthcare plan is a great armor to protect you and your family from unexpected situations. As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps across the globe, it also puts a spotlight on international healthcare. Getting worldwide coverage is even a greater investment to secure your savings and have peace of mind wherever you go. 

A+ International Health Plans cover COVID-19 treatment so long as you are in good health and with no pre-existing conditions. For as low as $28/month, EasyCare+ gives you international protection, whether you plan to travel or if you want to get the best healthcare locally. Each of our health plans is tailored to your specific needs. You can have access to a network of over 10,000 doctors, hospitals, and clinics in more than 150 countries. 

Contact us to get in touch with our Brokers or Get a Quote now.

Since 2008, A+ International Healthcare has been providing best-in-class medical health plans around the world. To know more about our products and services, visit http://www.aplusii.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter for more updates.