COVID-19 – staying healthy in a lockdown

When you need to stay at home due to COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to stay healthy, physically and mentally.

If there is COVID-19 in your whare/home it is going to affect everybody in different ways. If you are the one with COVID there is advice on how to isolate at home, how to care for yourself at home, how to manage your symptoms and how to look after your mental wellbeing.

The information provided below is aimed at people who are well themselves but need to isolate at home as somebody else in their whare/home is unwell. Remember to look after yourself by keeping your distance as much as possible, wearing a mask when that person is near you and washing your hands well. It is tempting to think that you may as well catch it and get it over with, but COVID-19 has unpredictable effects and even young, otherwise healthy people can get really sick. It’s best avoided if possible!

If you are not used to being at home every day, suddenly finding yourself confined to your house – be it on your own or with family members or flatmates – for up to several weeks may seem daunting. But it’s doable with a little planning, kindness and understanding.

Remember that many people in Aotearoa New Zealand are in the same situation and it won’t last forever. While it does, we're all going to have to get a bit more creative with things like exercising and staying in contact with each other.

Image: pixabay

Here are 10 tips for staying healthy while in self-isolation.

1. Stick to a routine

Plan out a routine and stick to it. Having structure in your day gives you a sense of stability and peace of mind. For example, get up and go to bed at the same time you usually would and have your kai/meals at the usual time. Make sure you get your normal amount of sleep. Plan different things for your weekend or day off, if working, so you can get a break from your routine, just as you normally would.

2. Get a daily dose of fresh air

Go outside for some fresh air. You can go for a walk in your neighbourhood, but avoid other people in case you are becoming infectious yourself. Even just having a walk around the garden or sitting outside with a cup of tea and a book will make you feel better and reduce cabin fever.

3. Eat healthy food

Make sure you’re getting your 5 plus a day of fruit and vegetables to stay healthy. Avoid unnecessary snacking which is easy to do when you’re at home. Keep your eating habits as close as possible to what you would usually do. An excess of alcohol is especially risky at this time, so keep to standard drinking advice and find other ways to relieve stress.

4. Stay in touch

A lack of face-to-face contact with others is tough. However, there are lots of other ways to stay in touch. Pick up the phone, video call friends or family and stay in touch online. You could also throw a virtual party where a group gets together online and connects that way. There are also lots of resources and ideas on the internet to keep you occupied and connected.

5. Exercise inside regularly

Set aside time each day or week to exercise inside, in the garage or in the garden. It could be yoga, weights, dancing or other forms of exercise. There are many websites offering free virtual exercise classes. It’s also a great time to get stuck into the garden, mow the lawns, clean the house and trim the hedge. See also exercising while staying at home.

6. Have fun

If you've suddenly found yourself with time on your hands, remember to do something you enjoy. Watch a movie, do some puzzles, play some board games, write that novel, read, redecorate, play charades, start to learn a language or do anything else that will put a smile on your face.

7. Have a digital break

While it’s important to stay connected digitally, make sure you do have a break from it and balance your use. Plan times to be digitally connected and times when you switch to ‘do not disturb’ and become involved in other activities.

8. Healthy balance of news

It’s tempting to keep checking all the latest updates about COVID-19, and other national and world events, but don’t let it rule your life. Keep informed but also a have a break from the constant flow of information. Have set times where you check the news, maybe morning and night to keep a healthy balance. Try not to dwell on it throughout the day and the night.

9. Meditate

Meditation is proven to have many mental and physical benefits. This is also true of mindfulness. They are both free to do and will improve your health and help you stay calm and centred.

10. Seek medical attention if needed

If you feel unwell and need to see a doctor, call them and talk about how you can get advice or perhaps a telehealth consultation. If you suspect you have COVID-19, do a RAT test. If it is positive, remember to report it through My Covid Record and let your GP or other healthcare provider know.