Staying Healthy During the Pandemic

The meaning of “normal” has completely changed…

Since the ‘Stay at Home’ orders went into effect, our understanding of life as ‘normal’ has changed drastically. Aside from following the pandemic guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) to avoid contracting the coronavirus, how can we stay mentally and physically healthy?

Here are some basic tips to help keep you happier and healthier while we wait out the virus.

Working from home?

• Have a consistent schedule – Go to bed and wake up at the same time and have the same ‘work hours’ you normally would at the office or job
• “Get up, Suit up and Show up” Get dressed and ready for work as you normally would
• Have a designated work space so you’re able to “leave work” at the end of the day

Struggling to sleep?

• Routine helps here too! Prime your body with a routine before bed; shower, yoga, reading, journaling, etc. Make sure to get to bed at a consistent time each night.
• Practice good sleep hygiene. Eliminate the use of electronics while in bed or, better still, eliminate them from your bedroom entirely
• Yes, that means no television for white noise. Opt for a fan or sound machine.

Feeling Isolated?

• Social distancing does not mean social isolation
• Interact with your loved ones over text, phone, or Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, WeChat, etc.
• Utilize support groups that are meeting online through video platforms

Feeling Sluggish?

• Make sure to eat a balanced diet. Include fresh or frozen (no added salt) produce. Get active. Make sure to take advantage of the increasingly warmer days to take a walk, run or bike ride while practicing social distancing
• Follow along with one of many free exercise videos found on YouTube!

Having Health Concerns?

• Take advantage of tele-health appointments Many insurance companies now cover tele-health appointments and ‘office visits’ for non-emergency concerns
• Make sure to continue taking your medication as prescribed

Having a hard time coping?

Consider telemental health to talk with a therapist. Barrington Behavioral Health & Wellness is offering tele-therapy to support you during this difficult time.

Phone: 1-888-261-2178
Email: help@barringtonbhw.com

Dr. Olivia Domczewski

Psy. D., LCP

Dr. Olivia Domczewski is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in Primary Care – Health Psychology, Health Behavior change, Chronic Medical Illness and the impact of Organ Failure and Transplant issues.

Her particular interest in organ transplant and advanced heart failure therapies (e.g. LVAD), as well as grief and loss as it pertains to chronic illness, is especially useful to those struggling with end of life issues.

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