There’s no question that COVID-19, aka coronavirus, has completely rocked our world (and not in a good way). With the health of the public at risk, it’s important that we do our part to stop the rapid spread of this nasty virus. By isolating ourselves from large groups of people, we are helping to not only protect our own health, but also the health of the most vulnerable population of this world. While we’re stuck at home, let’s look at a few things you can do at home to help minimize your risk of catching COVID-19.
5 Things You Should Be Doing At Home During The Coronavirus Pandemic
1. Exercise
By exercising regularly, you are improving the circulation within your body. Having good circulation means that your cells and different substances that make up your immune system are able to flow more freely, which allows them to do their job better.
Since most gyms are closed, this is the perfect opportunity to try a new indoor workout. If you have kids, you could try incorporating a quick and fun family-friendly workout that will get your whole family moving along with you.
2. Diet
To promote a healthy immune system, it’s critical that you nourish your body with the necessary amounts of vitamins and minerals. Make sure you’re incorporating plenty of fruits and veggies in your diet. If you find yourself unable to get the right number of vitamins and minerals daily, consider taking a vitamin supplement.
3. Sleep
Although scientists still haven’t figured out exactly why our bodies need sleep, they have figured out the risks it can pose on our health when we don’t get enough of it. Believe it or not, sleep plays a critical role in our immune response.
A study led by a UC San Francisco sleep researcher found that people who were getting insufficient sleep (6 hours or less) were four times more likely to catch a virus when exposed than people who got an adequate amount of sleep. What’s even more terrifying is the long-term effects of not getting the right amount of z’s – an increased risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes.
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4. Stay clean
Even though we’re in quarantine, we may need to step out of the house every now and then to grab some groceries, walk our dog, or even just to go on a quick stroll in a (non-crowded) park to keep ourselves from going crazy. When we’re out and about, we may pick up some germs that we encounter and carry them back home with us. For this reason, it’s important that we bathe every day, especially before we go to bed.
Speaking of germs, you’d be surprised how many we have on our phones, doorknobs, keys, etc. If you can get your hands on some disinfectant wipes, make sure you are wiping these items down often!
5. Keep calm
Stress is one of the immune system’s greatest enemies. When we’re stressed, our body releases a hormone called a corticosteroid. This hormone can suppress and weaken the immune system by reducing the number of lymphocytes we have in our body – one of the two main types of white blood cells needed in order to fight off infections.
Keeping calm during these hard times can be easier said than done. If you find yourself struggling with stress, anxiety, or even depression – you are not alone. Use this time to focus on your well-being, there’s nothing more important than your physical and mental health. Remember, we’re all in this together… by being apart.