7 Methods for Staying Healthy and Sane Despite COVID-19

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to change the lives of everyone around the world, it’s important to stay focused and grounded. The top priorities for people as we go through self-isolation, quarantine, and business closures are to stay healthy, sane, and connected.

Whether it’s managing the stress associated with working from home or battling the loneliness associated with not being able to see friends, the impacts of COVID-19 are felt in many ways. Fortunately, the solutions are just as numerous. Below, let’s take a look at a few ideas for not only staying healthy through the summer, but also staying sane and mentally sharp.

Take precautions

Even though restrictions are lifting, it’s still necessary to take precautions in order to stay safe. To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, be sure to practice good hygiene and follow the safety tips suggested by the CDC.

Be sure to wash your hands with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds (or, basically, the length of time it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice). Continue to wear a mask when in public spaces, and keep hand sanitizer on hand for when you do have to go out to the store. Try to avoid restaurants and public spaces, opting for curbside delivery instead.

Work a side hustle

As COVID-19 sweeps across the world, we’re seeing some pretty monumental declines throughout all industries. Many people are without work completely or have suffered a drastic cut in hours. If you’re among them, it can help to take the first steps toward financial safety: Cut your spending, draft a budget you can live with (try to make room to pay into an emergency fund), and take stock of your credit history. It’s important to have some room to borrow if needed.

Now can also be the perfect time to pick up a side hustle to get some extra cash and help out some neighbors in the process. As summer is right around the corner, think about starting a landscaping, dog walking, or grocery shopping business. Get out into the neighborhood and promote your services with custom-printed products that get your name out there. What could be better than doing some grocery shopping for your neighbors with reusable bags branded with your info?

Stock up on essentials

As more and more people are faced with the virus, resources at medical facilities are in short demand in many areas, so it’s important to prepare to convalesce at home. If you or a loved one becomes sick, it’s important to have some essential items in your house.

At a bare minimum, make sure that you have a thermometer to monitor your temperature, as well as a supply of cold and flu medication that will help to mitigate symptoms. And as always, if you think you’ve been infected with COVID-19 and want to be tested, contact a medical professional first for a preliminary assessment before going to the hospital or emergency room.

Clear your space — and your mind

As many of us are forced to work and complete school assignments from home, we often find that we’re distracted by a cluttered mess around the house. Do yourself (and your sanity) a favor by getting rid of as much unnecessary clutter as possible.

For big jobs, it might make sense to hire a dumpster to remove unnecessary or duplicate items from your home. Many dumpster rentals can be ordered over the phone, and the smaller sizes can rent for just $300 or less, in some areas. It’s also the perfect social distancing activity, with a dumpster simply showing up in your driveway; when it’s filled, you call the company to haul it away, all hands-free.

Keep social distancing

As social creatures, we find it hard to stay away from friends and family. The simple joys of gathering for a celebration or heading to a restaurant for a quick meal have certainly changed in this COVID-19 world.

As much as it pains us, though, the best way to stay healthy is to continue practicing social distancing. Remember to keep at least 6 feet of space between you and others at all times, and practice vigilance about wearing your face mask when around others.

Stay connected

Of course, just because you can’t be in contact with people physically it doesn’t mean you have to ignore your friends and family. In fact, it’s more important now than ever to stay in touch.  There are several ways to stay connected remotely, using the services of online video forums.

The negative effects of isolation can be intense, so be sure to check in on your loved ones to make sure they’re healthy and sane also. It can be a quick telephone call, a video chat, or a handwritten note to simply let them know you’re thinking about them. No matter the method of communication that works best for you, now is the time to keep your friends and family close.

Get out for an escape (safely)

Most of us have been pent up in the house for months, forced to quarantine during the COVID-19 outbreak, and many are feeling the ill effects of the days’ sameness and repetition. By now you’ve certainly realized how important it is to (safely) get out of the house every now and then, simply to clear your mind and allow your brain to reset.

Take a walk with your dog or a ride around the block in your car. You can even go crazy and drive barefoot with the windows down and the music up! (It’s an urban myth that driving barefoot is illegal, so go ahead.) You’ll be surprised how well even a 10-minute break can work toward recharging your mental batteries.

COVID-19 has shaken up life as we know it with strict new regulations, unprecedented job losses, and disorienting new social rules. It’s taxing for everyone, with each person experiencing pandemic-related difficulties differently. But by practicing social distancing measures, keeping in touch with friends and family members, and perhaps even starting a side hustle to earn some extra cash, it’s entirely possible to stay healthy and sane through this COVID-19 summer. Good luck! Stay safe!