The increasing number of COVID-19 cases has prompted the government to shift back National Capital Region (NCR), Cavite, Laguna, Bulacan and Rizal to Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) from August 4-18, 2020.
The upgraded lockdown protocols in the said areas mean that strict home quarantine shall be observed. And with many of us staying at home and doing less in terms of social interactions and exercise, this can have a negative effect on our physical and mental health.
Fear and anxiety on what could happen next can be overwhelming and stressful. Home quarantine can make people feel isolated and lonely that could lead to increased stress and anxiety.
Here are some tips to help you stay physically and mentally healthy in your condo during this period of confinement.
1. Eat a balanced diet
A lot of people now are stocking up on groceries with the fear of getting locked down again. Make sure to have a plan before you stock up on groceries. This will help you pick the right things and avoid unnecessary items that are usually brought about panic buying or cravings.
List down the items you still have in the pantry and plan around on how you could create meals out of them. Remember to buy fresh produce – fruits and vegetables that you can cut and store in the freezer. Avoid getting canned goods and processed foods.
Don’t forget to buy your vitamins too to help you boost your immune system especially during this time of COVID.
2. Get fit and active
You may not still be able to hit the gym and work out. Outdoor activities are also limited during MECQ. So you have no choice but try some no-equipment-required exercises to keep you fit and active while at home.
Many fitness instructors are offering virtual workout classes that would only require you to have a small space to move around. Why not be creative and check on the things you have in the condo which you can use as part of your workout? Wine bottles or tumblers for weights, towels for sliders, or a sturdy chair for step-ups.
You can also try some no-equipment-required exercises like squats, burpees, sit-ups, planks, push-ups, and mountain climbers. Key is to choose five (5) exercises that you can do a minute each then repeating the circuit three to five times.
3. Manage stress and get enough sleep
Managing your stress is crucial in getting enough sleep in your condo and getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining your health.
Why not start your day in meditation? Yoga and meditation are a great tool in maintaining balance between your mind and your body. It’s a simple practice that you can practice anytime and anywhere in your condo to alleviate stress. The best time to meditate is early in the morning before your coffee or tea, that way you set yourself up for a peaceful start to your day.
Aside from meditation, you can also keep the items that make you calm like scented candles and oils as well as house plants. You can also listen to some classical music to help clear your mind.
They say over-exposure to news creates a lot of anxiety so if you can create a quiet space to reflect and meditate, it can definitely help you a lot.
Aside from this, you can also use some digital tools to virtually interact with your friends and family so you would not feel lonely in the condo. Catch up with friends through video chats or enjoy virtual movie screening with them via Netflix Party of Scener.
4. Keep your condo clean
Research suggests the virus that causes COVID-19, can live on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for 72 hours, cardboard for 24 hours and copper for four hours. This calls for regular cleaning and disinfection of our condo space to avoid the risk of the virus.
Practice proper handwashing in your condo, remove coats and disinfect your shoes as soon as you return from any trips outside.
Decluttering and organizing your items in the condo is also crucial especially if you live in a small space. It will make your space look larger and more comfortable and there will be fewer items that you could touch and transmit germs.
Moreover, practice “clean first, disinfect later” where you have to regularly clean your things and disinfect them later on by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces. Both of these can lower the risk of infection spread so make it a habit.
During this crucial time, most health advice for keeping yourself physically and mentally healthy can boil down to these simple changes in behavior. Consider this shift to MECQ as your starting point. Remember these simple ways to stay healthy (and calm) while social distancing during this pandemic.
To know more about Vista Residences and its ready for occupancy and pre-selling units in Manila, email us at [email protected], like and follow our Facebook page @VistaResidencesOfficial or call our Marketing Office at 09089148457.
