Time to Read: 8 minutes
The COVID-19 pandemic has made 2020 a year to remember (or perhaps it is a year you’d prefer to forget).
While many of us are spending more time at home and that can have a negative affect on your physical and mental health.
During this time, it is vital to take especially care of yourself. We’re going to take a look at two key areas to help improve your health and well-being.
Keep a regular schedule and set up daily goals
Your routine will have undoubtedly changed since the beginning of the year, so it is vital for your mental well-being to establish a new schedule and set daily goals. These goals can be quite small - making the bed in the morning, phoning three friends, spending 30 minutes out in the sunshine, learning a new skill or returning to a favourite hobby. Doing these things will give you something to look forward to each day and provide a sense of accomplishment when they’re done.
Make home your oasis
Keeping your residence tidy is even more important if you are spending a lot of time indoors. It is good for your peace of mind. A ‘clean as you go’ policy is a good place to start. Surfaces clean and clear of clutter will make you feel more in control.
If your place is already spic and span, then consider some whether there are some lingering home projects you’d like to do. It might be addressing that squeaky door or that sticky cupboard drawer. Or you might consider a major project - repainting the walls or changing the floor.
Another quick and easy way of giving a fresh look to your living space is updating soft furnishings - new bedspread and cushions for your lounge room is an inexpensive way to brighten up a space. Take advantage of online delivery when it is available.
Eat properly and well
Some of us have discovered our inner Masterchef and have used the time at home to whip tasty dishes. Others… not so much.
Doctors warn that turning to ‘junk food’ for comfort is not good for our physical well-being. Making sure you get a full range of nutrients from your meals is a quick and tasty way of staying healthy.
You might find a new favourite recipe, as well as saving money by selecting the freshest in-season ingredients. Perhaps you can try some of your favourite restaurant or cafe dishes at home.
If cooking really isn’t your thing, there are a number of companies which supply fresh ingredients and a recipe to your door or can even supply nutritionally-balanced ready-made meals.
Let’s get physical!
Being unfit and overweight is a COVID-19 risk factor but that shouldn’t be the only reason why you might want to focus on your fitness.
Improving your physical fitness can reduce your risk of suffering other debilitating illnesses. Best of all, you don’t need fancy equipment. You can do a comprehensive fitness routine in the comfort of your home.
Ideas include:
- Weight Training
- Aerobics
- Yoga
- Squats
- Walking
- Sit Ups
If you’re not sure where to begin, we have two videos one from Australia and another from Canada with simple exercises to start with.
- Five simple exercises seniors can do at home - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_vR8V922Kw
- 15-minute Sample Workout for Older Adults from Go4Life - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev6yE55kYGw
Stay in touch with family and friends
Human beings are social creatures, we thrive when we have a community who cares for us. Even if we can’t be face to face with the people we care for the most, there are ways to stay in touch.
We have a couple of great articles on how to use the latest technology to video call:
- How to Make a Video call - https://blog.valuehearing.com.au/news/how-to-make-a-video-call
- Navigating the challenges of self-isolating with a hearing loss - https://blog.valuehearing.com.au/news/navigating-the-challenges-of-self-isolating-with-a-hearing-loss
Make time to call family and friends every day. Just a simple ‘hello, how are you?’ can make all the difference in the world.
What about making time getting to know your neighbours? A chat over the back fence provides a connection to the people who live next door - and as the TV theme goes: ‘good neighbours can become good friends’.
