How to Stay Healthy During Coronavirus

Everyone’s situation has been different during coronavirus. Maybe you’re staying home, working and/or teaching from home, looking for a new job, or, like me, everything has been business as usual and you’re still working. Working in a healthcare setting and knowing that there’s a high likelihood of COVID coming through the doors is unsettling and frustrating. But that’s being an essential employee - there are pros and cons. It’s scary for all of us. Whether you’re at home, in a facility, in a grocery store, or protecting the public. I’m thankful to be essential and have job security, but it’s also easy to focus on the negative of being at risk and risking carrying any illness home with me.

Continuing to work during this pandemic has been…odd. I’m immersed in what’s going on, but because I’m working as usual, it almost seems unreal. Even though we have meetings about it everyday & every employee is being screened at the door entering and leaving the building. It’s kinda weird to feel like, “Not allowed to not go to work as usual… but also not allowed to go to Target as usual.” So, I’ve been trying to find ways to reconcile business as usual & respecting the boundaries of quarantine and corona. The more I’ve been practicing the easier it’s gotten and I think I’ve determined a pretty solid list of ways to:

1. Maintain sanity 2. Avoid living in fear 3. Be realistic & 4. Use time wisely

Hand Washing & Staying In

Good hand washing practices should be happening every day of your life but, as we all know, it’s the #1 thing recommended by the CDC so I’ll reiterate. In healthcare, you gotta “foam in & out” of rooms all day but for extra cleanliness, we’ve also been getting hourly alerts for all staff to stop and wash their hands. Otherwise, I’ve been wiping my desk down religiously & I’m constantly spritzing my hands with a lighter hand sanitizer from Trader Joe’s. Since our sanitizers are so strong, I always keep lotion at my desk. My favorite has been Mrs. Meyers. We’ve also been trying to stay in as much as possible by consolidating grocery store trips & only going to one store - general stuff everyone else is *hopefully* doing.

Moving at Home & Outdoors

This one is not for everyone. This may not be appropriate for you - and that’s okay. Maybe doing some light stretches, just being in the sun, or meditating is appropriate. For me & my husband, taking Millie on a walk or doing a 20-40 minute workout has been a way, not the only way, of shaking frustration and sluggishness. Some of my favorite at home workout experiences have been by Rachel’s Good Eats, Peloton (free 90 day trial- no bike needed), and Yoga with Adriene. So many boutique gyms or studios have been hosting free virtual classes as well, so this may be a good time to try something new in the comfort of your own home!

Listening to Something Relaxing or Fun

Working with a susceptible population during a pandemic is a little stressful, so sometimes I just need to drown out my overwhelm while I chart chart chart away. If you know you know. I created a playlist for work that I use almost daily but it has been especially helpful during this time. Ignore that it’s actually very dark if you listen to the lyrics- I’m more about the beat rather that the words. Not always a good thing but hey, sometimes I just need to listen to Drake. I’ve also been playing my favorite podcasts at work such as: Behind the Bliss, As for Me & My House, Rise Together, Rise, Balanced Black Girl, She, & Goal Digger.

Slowing Down & Appreciating It

Not being able to go anywhere has forced me to do something that otherwise I usually feel antsy about - just sitting on the couch. With a nice blanket or a warm beverage. Reading a book. Maybe painting my nails or face masking, or both. I’m guilty of putting tasks before doing things for myself so by the time I finish all of my tasks, I’m too tired to face mask. I like that this forces me to spend less time out, and gives me more time to slow down & rest.

Making a Complicated Recipe

This is a great date night in. Zack and I do this for dates even without a quarantine. I think it’s super satisfying to take the time to make a complicated meal & just enjoy it together. It could be because I’m a dietitian but I think other people enjoy this too, right? You could make something that you’ve been eyeing for a while, but have been too exhausted to put in the effort to actually do. No shame - I feel you, the day is long. Some ideas may be making your favorite takeout at home, homemade pizza, homemade candy bars, baking, or making multiple courses, etc. It doesn’t have to be complicated, I just like a little challenge.

Ordering Local Takeout

Also a great time to support your favorite local places and place an order online & pick it up to go. If you’re able, of course. This makes a fun date night in too!

Checking Off Easy-to-Put-Off Tasks & Projects

There are so many small things that I normally put off that I’ve been able to finally accomplish because we can’t go anywhere. Clean out your closet. Dust your baseboards and your blinds. Vacuum under your bed. Sell those clothes you never wear on Poshmark or Thread Up. Brush your dog. Put those prints in a photo album. Organize your pantry. If you haven’t already, this is a great time to make a budget and organize your finances. Last but not least- my personal favorite. Do fun creative things that you have to make real time for but never do because you’re so busy. I’ve been dabbling in water colors & we spent a whole weekend completely redoing our dining room table. I would recommend you order any supplies you need online but try something fun like painting or macrame or making jewelry, whatever your heart desires.

The longer we practice social distancing, the more I’m realizing how nice it is to remember to do these things & live slower. Sometimes being out and about takes a lot of time & energy that I wish I could be spending doing more of the things I really want to do like being outside or working on a DIY project. This is a really tough time, but it’s also a beautiful time for reflection. Notice the things you’re enjoying about this time & think about how you can integrate them into your normal routine when we’re on the other side of this.