The COVID-19 virus has unfortunately harmed many people’s health, caused hundreds of thousands of deaths, and distressed family members and loved ones of those who were affected. But in addition to the direct effects of COVID-19, the pandemic has taken a toll on the physical and mental health of most people. Isolation, uncertainty, and worry are just a few of the many overwhelming emotions that people are facing during this time.
We understand that mental health during COVID-19 can be especially challenging for seniors since age and health conditions can lead to more isolation and anxiety. There are, however, things you can do to take care of your physical and mental health during COVID-19. Follow these suggestions to make sure your mind and body can perform their best.
Have an Exercise Routine
It’s no surprise that physical exercise is good for your body. But exercise can also do wonders for your mental health, too. Exercise can be a powerful antidote to depression, anxiety, stress, ADHD, and PTSD. The exercise doesn’t have to be intense; good exercises for seniors include walking, chair yoga, water aerobics, and pilates.
No matter the exercise, it is important to build some kind of regular exercise into your schedule. With the challenges of the pandemic, doing so will help you improve not only your physical health but also your mental health during COVID-19.
Make Sure You Are Sleeping Enough
Getting enough sleep does more than just give you energy. In fact, good sleep is shown to improve your immune system, balance hormone levels, and enhance your mental functioning.
On the other hand, not getting enough sleep can increase depression, bodily inflammation, risk of type 2 diabetes, and risk of heart disease and stroke. So, do your mind and body a favor by making sure you are getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night, as recommended for those who are 65 or older.
Keep Up Good Hygiene
Keeping yourself clean and put together will not only keep you healthier and safer, but it will also help you feel more confident and prepared for your day. In the morning, shower, groom yourself, and get dressed to give a little boost to your self-esteem. Then, throughout the day, be sure to wash your hands frequently and drink plenty of water so you can feel fresh and stay healthy.
Consider Meditation
If you are facing challenges with your mental health during COVID-19, you might want to consider meditation. Practicing meditation is proven to be positively impactful on both mental and physical health. Research shows that meditation can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, asthma, chronic pain, depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, and more. There are a variety of ways to meditate, but mindfulness meditations are shown to be especially transformative. So, take some time out of your day to slow down and meditate.
We know that this pandemic has been a hard time for nearly everyone, and we want you to stay healthy and happy. Doing these four simple things will help you take care of your mental health during COVID-19 and will be worth the extra effort.