In many countries of Europe, people’s movements and/or professional activities have been restricted to limit the spreading of Covid-19.
But in order to stay healthy physically and mentally WE ALL NEED TO MOVE.
If you are in a country under lock-down, with no access to the outside, consider to exercise with open windows 1 hour/day. If you are not used to exercise, you can start with 30 minutes 3 times per week and build up gradually up to 1 hour/day. The time of exercise can be split throughout the day. Children will be doing better with more that 1 hour/day of physical activity.
Hereafter some exercises that can be done indoors presented by Benjamin Rohde, physiotherapist in Austria. Follow Benjamin & Enjoy!
To limit the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, social interactions have been drastically reduced in many countries and social distancing has become the new norm.
Sociologist Eric Klinenberg is speaking about a Coming Social Recession : “We’ve entered a new period of “social pain”. There’s going to be a level of social suffering related to isolation and the cost of social distancing that very few people are discussing yet.”
Loneliness and social isolation are risk factors for depression or addiction and for elderly individuals of functional decline, dementia and cardiovascular disease.
If you have to stay alone at home during several weeks because of quarantine or lock-down, stay connected with family or friends through daily calls or video conversations or to the neighbors through “balcony-talks” or in other ways that will help you to alleviate the pain of seclusion.
On the other side, if you know people around you, among your personal or professional contacts, who are confined in their homes alone reach out to them, consider calling them regularly, even daily, for them to feel connected and cared for during this time of social isolation. If you have elderly neighbors, consider talking to them regularly from a safe distance or providing some practical help. Try as well to connect in a meaningful manner with those living in your home.
Sunlight has important biological effects in human skin. Ultraviolet light striking the epidermis catalyzes the synthesis of Vitamin D.
Both for your emotions and your Vitamin D level try as much as possible – even from a balcony or a window - to get daily exposure the rays of the sun. Also consider taking Vitamin D3 as supplement in consultation with a medical professional.
Some studies are also showing that sunlight energizes infection-fighting T cells that play a key part in immunity. Specifically, the blue light that is found in the sun’s rays made T cells move faster, which may help them get to an infection site and respond more quickly.
The amount of negative news around the COVID-19 epidemic together with simultaneous personal and professional challenges, can feel overwhelming.
To keep your mind at peace:
- Minimize watching, reading or listening to news that causes you to feel anxious or distressed, while keeping up-to-date regarding local regulations.
- Talk to friends and family to feel connected & supported
- Ask God for peace, strength and resilience with John 14:27 & Ps 27:5
- If you have to stay at home, keep occupied with household or leisure activities. Use the opportunity to reorganize your house or read some books.
- Develop a daily routine: having set times and planned activities help our mental health during times of uncertainties.
Times of crises can also be sources of stress for children. You can help your children to find peace during this difficult time by listening to their concerns, providing explanations, reassuring them, also having a new daily routine for them and giving them extra time, love and attention.
The current pandemic is bringing out all kinds of psychological challenges: death, anxiety, social isolation, uncertainty, worrying about having access to basic necessities and keeping our jobs. The words isolation, confinement, imprisonment and the like, carry a powerful mental weight. Not only the mind, but the body, both pay a substantial price.
There are many and good recommendations...
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