by Misha Fabian
It’s been a few weeks since Metro Manila was put into an enhanced community quarantine in an effort to curb the dreaded Coronavirus. We’re far away from the usual comforts of going out and meeting with our loved ones and we may still be for quite some time. While we may miss social interaction and the hustle and bustle of the metro, it’s more important to stay indoors and stay healthy. Of course, our health isn’t limited to our bodies alone. Here are some things you can do to practice self-care and help you stay in a good state of mind!
Establish a routine.
During this quarantine period, it can be so easy to just do whatever. However, this isn’t very good for your brain because it can end up making you feel scattered. It might even make it difficult for you to bounce back to regular programming once quarantine is over. Simple things like waking up at a certain time and taking your meals during specific hours do a lot to keep yourself in check.
Check on yourself throughout the day.
A few times every day, ask yourself: “How am I feeling?” This simple question will provide time for you to reflect and get to the bottom of your emotions. It’s totally normal to feel scared or uncertain during this time and it’s way better to face what you feel rather than run away from it. Once you’re able to find out what you’re feeling, then you can take the next steps necessary to make sure you get or maintain your state of mind.
Exercise!
If you’ve been seeing a lot of your friends post workout routines on their social media pages, maybe it’s time to follow in their footsteps and start on your own workout routine. Exercising helps your body produce endorphins, otherwise known as the “happy hormone”. Not only do you stay in shape, but you even get yourself to feel better as well!
Get proper sleep.
Remember what we said about establishing a routine? This is what we were talking about. It can be so easy to sleep at 3 a.m. and wake up at noon the next day, but doing that will leave you feeling lazy and unmotivated! A seriously messed-up body clock leaves you more prone to feeling off. Sleep before midnight and get a full 8 hours- your body will thank you for it.
Eat proper meals.
Speaking of routines, remember to eat your meals at proper times. Have breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the hours you’re supposed to be having breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Throw in a couple of light snacks in between hours, but don’t eat something that will make you feel too full for your next meal. Apart from helping you stay in your routine, good eating habits will also help you stay in shape.
Connect with friends through social media.
During times of crisis, sticking with other people is the best way to do it. However, since we need to practice social distancing, we have to settle for the next best thing. It is during these times that social media can be a wonderful blessing. Make it a point to connect with your friends and hang out via video calls. You can even play games and watch movies together. If you’re feeling down, speaking to a friend for even just a few minutes may help lift your mood. Remember, you are not alone!
Spend time away from social media.
While social media is an amazing tool, it can also be harmful if you use it too much. Excessive screen time will make you feel more lethargic, especially if you spend hours upon hours fixated on your gadgets. You might even add to your worries if you spend every minute refreshing the news. Take a break each day for about 1-2 hours before using your social media again. It will refresh your mind.
Get into something new.
Take this time as an opportunity to get into something new. Read a new book, learn how to do some arts and crafts, or even take a class. Keep your creative juices flowing in spite of the quarantine. If you want a list of free classes you can take, click here!
