A pandemic running rampant throughout the country might not be a one time thing. Even though many states remained open and introduced a “Pandemic Lifestyle,” the Covid-19 virus hasn’t gone away and new ones will probably develop in the future. It’s the times we’re living in, and we all need to know how to have a healthier family during difficult times. So, it’s still as important as ever to remain diligent in your daily routines in order to keep yourself and your family healthy during difficult times.
Maintaining a Healthier Family During Difficult Times
First, it’s important to feel safe. We are living in uncertain and sometimes scary times. Taking care of your family’s health can help everyone to feel a bit more secure, whether you’re spending most of your time at home or venturing out a bit more.
Keeping your family healthy doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. It just may look a bit different now than it did before. So, let’s look at a few ways you can take care of the people you love most during this pandemic, both physically and mentally.
Taking Care of Your Physical Health
Keeping up your family’s physical health can help everyone to feel stronger and boost their immune system. It has been shown that the COVID-19 pandemic can especially impact those who are already compromised. So, staying physically strong and healthy can not only reduce your risk of catching this virus but other common illnesses like colds and the flu.
Thankfully, staying healthy as a family is easier than you might think! It can also be a fantastic way to stay connected and “check-in” with everyone to make sure they are handling these uncertain times as well as they can.
Set up an evening walk with your family each night around the neighborhood. You can bring your four-legged family members, too, since they need just as much exercise as everyone else! You should also be aware of what your dogs are eating if you’re spending more time at home and cooking more often. It can be tempting to feed them whatever you’re making, but first, educate yourself on what your dog can and can’t eat.
Looking for more ways to stay healthy with your family? Try some of these tips:
- Limit screen time
- Spend time outdoors
- Play active games
- Create family health “challenges”
It’s also a good idea to encourage healthy habits and routines. That can include anything from daily stretching or exercising to practicing good oral health habits and educating your kids on the importance of regularly seeing their dentist and doctor for wellness visits. Lastly, don’t forget to model basic health and safety skills like proper hand washing, during this ongoing pandemic.
Using Tech to Stay Strong
Technology has made it easier than ever to stay healthy, no matter what the state of the world may be. Things like smartwatches and other fitness gear and gadgets can keep track of your health for you and help you to reach your personal goals.
You can also utilize technology to stay connected with your family. That includes those living under the same roof and those who are living elsewhere. Apps like Fitbit allow you to ‘challenge’ your family members and friends to reach different achievements. That healthy competition can help you all to feel more connected, like you’re exercising together.
Technology can also help you to stay healthy in other ways. Many people have turned toward telehealth options to talk to their doctors about different concerns. Teletherapy has also become a popular medium for those who are having a difficult time with relationship issues or other mental health concerns.
This pandemic could be much worse if we didn’t have so many technological resources at our fingertips. Think of creative ways you can utilize that technology to keep your family safe and healthy.
Finding Time for Self-Care
It’s important not to ignore the mental health effects that may be fueled by this pandemic. Issues like the one we are currently facing can cause a lot of extra stress. That may lead to anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Unfortunately, there are multiple groups at risk of developing these issues. Children and teenagers are actually at greater risk, due to so much pressure and uncertainty.
So, finding ways to reduce stress at home can be beneficial for your family’s overall connection, stress levels, and worries. Some of the things you can do to combat stress as a family include:
- Spending quality time together
- Getting outside/taking a walk
- Cleaning the house/decluttering
- Taking breaks from the news/media
- Socializing safely
- Getting out of the house and taking a trip somewhere while following guidelines
Finding time for yourself each day is another important aspect of staying grounded and reducing your stress. Try to do one thing each day that you enjoy, whether it’s journaling, watching your favorite television show, or spending time outside. Self-care is more important than ever for the entire family, so make it a priority for yourself and other members of your household as you all work to stay healthy in the wake of this pandemic.
About the Writer: Brooke Faulkner is a writer and mom in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. You can check out more of her writing on twitter, @faulknercreek
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