Re-Emerging: Tips for a Healthy Post-Pandemic
After all this time spent indoors, it’s understandable that some people are feeling apprehensive about the end of COVID restrictions. Still, with the right planning, there’s no reason why a return to normality can’t be a return to form. Here are some ideas to help you prepare.
Exercise
The benefits of exercise are numerous and in some ways obvious, but a healthy appearance is not the only proof of good exercise. Even if you’ve spent the majority of your lockdown on the couch with a hand in a bag of potato chips, getting moving at this late stage can go a long way towards improving your mood. If you’re unsure of where to start, a fun place is with park yoga or tai chi. These sessions can range from light to intense and are a good excuse to get out of the house and back into an outdoor setting.
Healthy Eating
It’s not just about the way healthy food makes you feel, it’s also about the process of cooking it. Whether you’re preparing for yourself or others, it’s worth using this inside period to learn a couple of new recipes and get into the habit of putting food on the plate that you’re proud of and love to eat. If you’re new to cooking, don’t worry - there’s nothing to be ashamed of and there are plenty of guides online to help you get in the kitchen and serve up easy grub.
Upskilling
There’s hardly a more productive way to spend your time indoors than learning a new skill or picking up a degree. With the advent of remote education, it’s entirely possible to do this from home. Some would-be students have actually obtained their bachelor’s during their time off. If you are able to pull off such a feat, it might lead to improved career prospects or even a change in profession entirely!
Addressing Mental Health
Here at Mentality Magazine, we’re all about acknowledging and spreading awareness for mental health. For many, the lockdown has provided a time of rewarding self-reflection. For others, it has exacerbated existing conditions, such as anxiety or depression. If you’re interested in exploring your own mental health, you might find that reading is a good start. Many articles provide answers via a change in routine or some helpful breathing exercises. Whatever your state of mind, it’s important not to suffer in silence and to speak up for your own wellbeing by seeking help.
Music
The great Louis Armstrong once said, “Music is life itself”. Certainly, for many of us, music is an important tool necessary for living a healthy, happy, fulfilled life. This period represents a great opportunity to learn a new instrument or update playlists, and prepare for a busy life ahead. If you’re scratching your head over where or how to discover new music, have a look at some of the new methods available online - there is now some incredible technology designed to help listeners find the perfect sound.
The great thing about the future is that it’s unclear - as COVID-19 restrictions wind down, you can take some comfort knowing that the path ahead is open-ended and could be as exciting as you make it. However you decide to re-enter the world, just remember to take your time and be patient with yourself.
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