The Balanced Life, Huntsville Alabama

I’ve read countless articles on how Covid 19 has negatively impacted mental health and how suicide deaths are predicted to rise as a result of the pandemic. Some believe that this is due to an over focus on physical health and a minimization of mental health during this time.

Maintaining a healthy mind and body is vital throughout unpredictable times such as these. Taking care of ourselves should never take a back seat and we need to remember this during our daily routines. We can still adhere to the common practices of wearing a mask, sanitizing, and other responsible measures while continuing mental and emotional self-care.

Below are some tips to remind ourselves the importance of both mental and physical health and ways to prioritize both.

1- Get moving outside. Fall weather is so close! This is a good time to exercise outdoors- walking, biking, hiking or yoga in your backyard are just a few ideas. Many parks and trails have social distancing measures in place, so you don’t have to jeopardize safety for self-care. 

2- Eat a balanced diet. The ease of convenience can be a slippery slope to over indulging in non-healthy meals and snacks. Eating healthy is important not only for your mental health but also for your resiliency to COVID-19. Look for fruits and vegetables considered brain food as well as those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon. 

3- Practice breathing.  Breathing deeply will stretch the internal muscles of your ribs and strengthen your diaphragm. Deep breaths help not only to deal with stress and anxiety, but also to keep your lungs strong in response to possible infection. Simply 10-15 minutes a day of intentional breathing can have a positive impact on mental and physical well-being.

4- Connect with friends and family. One of the biggest threats to our mental health that COVID-19 poses is isolation. Technology is wonderful and an even bigger asset during this time where social interactions have decreased. I, personally, set a goal to contact a friend or family member once a week to check in and catch up. Take advantage of new technologies that foster distance socializing, like Netflix Party or Zoom that can provide emotional support. 

5- Find your comfort zone. With all of the differing opinions on the virus, it’s important to know your own and set boundaries for yourself. I would encourage taking safety precautions that make you comfortable in minimizing risk of exposure, but don’t be influenced by others in your decision making. Following local mandates is of utmost importance, but set a plan with your family on how to proceed with social gatherings, events, etc. and be respectful of others viewpoints as well. 

If you need help maintaining mental and physical health and want to set specific goals for yourself contact Lindsey Hill at lindsey@thebalancedlifellc.com