I think our health and well-being has been put to the test like never before this year. 2020 has brought more than its fair share of challenges, new worries, and concerns. Whether it’s fear of contracting COVID-19, the stress of trying to care for a sick loved one while unable to see them face-to-face, or concerns about the state of the economy and one’s job security.
It’s no surprise, then, that many Americans are suffering from poor mental and physical health during these tough times. We’re turning to coping mechanisms like creature comforts and junk food for a brief reprieve from it all.
That said, it’s not impossible to improve your health and wellness during these trying times. It’s more important than ever to put your focus and energy into these things.
Health Versus Well-being
Let’s define some terms first. I feel as though “well-being” can be this amorphous concept that’s difficult to grasp. Health refers to our state of being — physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. Well-being refers to living a healthy lifestyle and improving upon that health. They are intrinsically connected in that our well-being directly influences our health.
4 Top Strategies for Improving Health & Wellness
1) Maintain a Social Network
One of the biggest changes we’ve experienced during COVID-19 is the distance we’ve had to put between ourselves and others. Not only have we, at times, has to isolate ourselves from friends and family, but the lack of other social acts — like hugging — has created a void for us socially and emotionally. Being unable to visit family and friends, being warier of strangers, and not having weekly social activities takes its toll.
We’re social creatures. Isolation is never good for our well-being.
Thankfully, we do live in a time in which digital communication is not only possible but highly accessible. Facetime, Zoom, social media, Marco Polo...there is an app or social platform for just about every way that you prefer to stay in touch. Don’t neglect this crucial part of your life. Make the effort to connect with friends in family in new ways.
2) Identify Stress Triggers
Most of us are dealing with some level of elevated stress throughout this whole COVID-19 pandemic. While some of these stresses are inevitable, we would all do well to mitigate the stressors we’re exposed to. Maybe going to the grocery store causes you a lot of anxiety right now. Choose less busy hours, take advantage of curbside delivery, or use services like Instacart, which will deliver right to your doorstep.
Similarly, if you find that keeping up with the news heightens your stress levels, reduce your intake. Turn off the TV. Stop browsing the headlines. Take a break. It’s good to stay informed, but the constant onslaught of talking heads, opinions, and pundits will only lead to more stress. Don’t feel guilty about removing yourself from the never-ending news cycle, at least for a little while.
For the sake of your health, I suggest limiting the time you spend on the news. You can designate a particular window once per day or even one day per week to catch up.
3) Go Outside
The effects of the great outdoors on health and wellness have long been reported. Right now, a lot of us can feel cooped up, closed off, and claustrophobic. Having to reduce your contact with people doesn’t mean that you can’t go outside. I highly encourage it! Studies show that just 20 minutes outside can boost overall happiness.
You don’t even have to exercise during that time to benefit! (However, exercise also greatly benefits health, physically and mentally).
Find an isolated spot in a local park. Take a social-distanced walk around the neighborhood. Sit on the back porch instead of on the sofa. Just these small adjustments to your day can make a big difference.
4) Give Your Body What It Needs
When we think about health and wellness, or physical bodies are probably the first things we think of. We think about eating healthy and getting enough exercise. These are a huge part of staying well during these trying times. However, giving your body what it needs doesn’t just mean loading up on leafy greens and having a daily workout. It also means listening to your body and really, truly giving it what it needs.
We’re stressed. That changes what we need. More sleep, downtime, and an emphasis on relaxation are important. It’s okay to go to bed early. It’s okay to take a weekend nap. Focus on replenishing your energy in healthy ways — through exercise, eating whole foods, and resting.
What have you done to prioritize health & wellness during the pandemic? Share in the comments.