Isolation doesn’t seem like the best way to stick to our mental health routines…or our fitness routines, relational commitments, and so much more. However, even though things are looking different than they did a few months ago, that doesn’t mean that health in all things can’t be at the top of our mindset. Since isolation has become the norm these days, it’s time to get back on track with our physical, mental, and emotional health. Here are some key ways to maintain your health in self-isolation—you’ll thank yourself once all of this is a bit back to normal.
Try to Stay Connected
If you don’t want to feel like you’re going insane, then you need to stay as virtually connected as possible. Sure, that has limitations, especially if you’re naturally a very social person. But either way, making sure that you talk on the phone to a friend or hop on a Zoom call once a week or so will help you feel like you’re not going through this isolation alone. Connecting with others will also help reduce stress and even increase your self-esteem.
Get Started on a Hobby
Self-improvement is one of the most productive ways to maintain your health in self-isolation. That’s not to say that, if you don’t get your whole start-up business in order by the time this passes, you “failed” quarantine—but this situation does give you the time to pursue passions. If you used to be a great painter in school but haven’t painted in a while, now is your chance. If you’ve been meaning to catch up on some leadership books, then this is your chance to do so. Focusing on these hobbies can help you feel less like you’re twiddling your thumbs for three months straight.
Find an Exercise Routine That Works
Your exercise routine isn’t going to look the same as it did when you went to the gym, and that’s okay. Or even if you didn’t get to the gym much before, self-isolation is the perfect time to take care of your body. Chances are you may be sitting more than you did before—do your body a favor and take it on a walk. Do what you can to find an exercise routine that works well for you—it may be completely different from the movement you did before. Even if it’s just push-ups and sit-ups, or if you’re finally ready to start yoga, now is a great time to take steps to improve your physical health.
Start Practicing Mindfulness and Meditation
When it comes to your mental health, there’s more you can do than just staying connected. Your brain needs time to process everything that’s going on, and there’s no shame in using the morning to meditate or to practice mindfulness throughout the day. It’s not something that’s just for women, and it can be a massive help in boosting your self-confidence, helping you narrow your passions, and so much more.
Be Smart About What’s Going Into Your Body
Another way to Maintain Your Health in Self-Isolation is to be more aware of what you’re putting into your body. If you’re constantly emotionally eating, try to find other ways to express your emotions. If you’re drinking way more than normal, remind yourself of the effects of alcohol on the body, and then make the conscious decision to make smart choices about what’s going into your body. What you put in correlates to how you feel—make sure that most of it are healthy.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
