With the quarantine continuously implemented and increased social distancing measures, a lot of us are facing with anxious thoughts. The new normal routine has never been experienced before. As humans we are not used to living in such an uncertain era. Here are some ways on how to maintain positivity, sanity, productivity and my mental health:
1. Experimenting with anti-inflammatory home cooked meals and baking
Anti-inflammatory foods boost immunity and decreases inflammation in the body. These foods nourish your body and mind to keep you full throughout the day. An anti-inflammatory diet does benefit everyone. Some of these include:
- Berries which are totally antioxidant
- Avocados which are packed with potassium, fiber, and magnesium
- Healthy monounsaturated fats
- Free-range and organic eggs which are loaded with omega 3 fatty acids
- Leafy vegetables
- Healing species and herbs such as turmeric, ginger, and garlic
Experimenting with different forms recipes reduces anxiety and increases creativity. Removing or limiting the consumption of inflammation foods will support good physical and mental health. Foods that are high in glycemic index can spike up your blood sugar levels which can significantly cause your energy levels to crash.
2. Supporting your health with natural supplements
Some of us have dietary restrictions and increased sensitivity and allergies to some form of foods. Therefore, supporting our physical and mental health with natural supplements can make up for the vitamin deficiencies caused in our body. These include Vitamin D which reduces depression and anxiety. It is so important to take a high-quality vitamin D supplement since we are all staying home and limiting our exposure to natural sunlight. Vitamin C is also known to boost immunity and fight against common colds and flu. Vitamin B supports bone health, improves mood and symptoms of depression. It also increases energy levels and prevents anemia deficiency. Other important supplements include Probiotics which increases the formation of good bacteria and boosts your digestive system. It is highly recommended by healthcare practitioners to include probiotics in your diet especially if you are also taking antibiotics to reduce bacterial infection.
3. Exercise & good-quality sleep
Recreational forms of activities have limited our physical activity and mobility. However, many gym trainers and instructors are now offering at-home workouts and challenges. In addition, yoga is an excellent mindful exercise that allows you to align your physical and mental health. It keeps you refreshed through the day, enhance your mood and work productivity. As recommended by health-care practitioners, a good-quality 8 hour sleep is extremely important to maintain your physical and mental health. We need to be mindful of what we consume before we go to sleep as this can impact the quality of sleep and leave us exhausted and tired in the morning.
4. Practice self-care, gratitude, and meditate
We need to be compassionate with ourselves and with each other. Some of the simple ways to calm anxiety are:
- Meditating and observing your breath
- Resting
- Taking a bath with essential oils
- journaling thoughts
- showcasing gratitude towards your loved ones who are perhaps navigating through these challenging times
Above all, please remember that we are all in this together. We need to truly take care of ourselves and trust our healthcare workers who are doing their very best in keeping us safe and healthy.
