Member Insights by COSE MEWA

Due to the coronavirus disease also known as COVID-19, citizens across the country have been forced to adapt to a new way of living – staying at home. Though these safety precautions are necessary to help flatten the curve of the virus, isolation at home can take a heavy toll on our mental and physical Health. That’s why it’s extra important to find new ways to stay on top of your health and wellness routines during this time.

Take a look at different ways you can take care of yourself while Social Distancing in your home:

1. Figure out your new “normal”
   1. Most likely, this stay-at-home lifestyle is disrupting your typical routine. Create a new routine that incorporates some normalcy to promote productivity and wellness. If you typically wake up, shower, eat breakfast and get dressed for the day, continue to do so each morning. It will help get your day started better than lounging in your pajamas until noon. Be sure to map out time for meals, workouts, outdoor activity and mental exercises as well. By sticking to a routine each day, you can stay on track with work, household chores and self-care.
2. Continue (or start!) your fitness journey
   1. Staying active is essential to your overall health, but even more so when you need to stay home all day and spend the majority of your time sitting. With more time on your hands due to the “shelter in place” mandate in Ohio, it’s the perfect time to develop a regular workout routine. If you aren’t sure how to get started or are accustomed to working out in a class environment, many trainers and gyms are offering free virtual workouts during the COVID-19 crisis. Research the type of workout you are interested in and learn at-home modifications. Another great option is to go for a walk or run outside to get fresh air and avoid cabin fever.
3. Prioritize a nutritious diet
   1. Being home all throughout the day can lead to some unhealthy (and frequent) snacking habits. Try to stick to traditional meal times and stock up on healthy food items like fruits and vegetables that can be frozen or canned. You can prioritize a balanced diet by trying new healthy recipes to fuel your body and immune system. By experimenting with different foods and recipes, you can make mealtime exciting at a time when restaurants and bars are closed. Some restaurants are still serving food through carry-out or delivery methods, so be sure to also research restaurants in your area and support local businesses.
4. Fuel your brain
   1. With the stress and anxiety that is caused by isolation and the uncertainties of a pandemic, it’s important that you protect your mental health by practicing mindfulness. This can involve meditation and breathing exercises that allow you to process and cope with what you’re feeling during this unprecedented time. Another way to promote good mental health is to keep your mind sharp. Activities like puzzles, word searches, reading and more are great ways to keep your mind active instead of mindlessly binge-watching TV or movies.
5. Stay in touch virtually
   1. Although the country is practicing social distancing at the moment, that doesn’t mean you are alone. Plan out phone calls and virtual chats with friends and family and offer words of support. You could also eat meals together virtually or play a game over video chat to retain some sense of normalcy. Human interactions are essential to one’s mental health, so try setting a goal to talk to at least one other person outside your home each day.

For more information and updates on COVID-19, please visit CDC.gov/coronavirus. You may also visit MedMutual.com/COVID-19 for member information regarding the virus.

To learn more about health benefits offered though The Columbus Chamber of Commerce, please contact your broker. If you don’t have a broker, let us find one for you. Call the Columbus Chamber at (614)221-1321.

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