It has been an interesting month in terms of health, to say the very least. Socially, we have been told to isolate ourselves. We have been told to avoid work, school, and any large gatherings. Getting groceries has become something of a competition between us and our neighbors. While many of our peers have been stocking up on supplies like there will never be another shipment of paper goods again, you might be wondering how to keep yourself healthy. In a time when people are very afraid, it’s important to keep calm and remember that there are some very simple steps to follow to prevent the spread of illness, be it just a cold or something more serious such as the recent outbreak of coronavirus.

With COVID-19 in particular, it is very important to follow recommendations from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. You’ve almost certainly heard the suggestions to wash your hands for twenty seconds and stay away from those who are sick. It feels repetitive and even alarming to hear the same points over and over like it’s the world’s new mantra. So what are some steps that you can take to make sure that you are not just avoiding coronavirus, but boosting your immunity? There may be more steps that you can take than you realize to take control of your health.

Vitamins

Vitamins are a great way to make sure that you are getting all the nutrients your body needs. Not only can you take your regular vitamins to make sure that you are staying healthy where your muscles and bones are concerned, but you can also add Vitamin C and Zinc to your regular vitamin regimen to give your immune system a much-needed boost. Just like everything else, remember not to take more than the recommended amount. It’s also important that you keep up with this routine daily to make certain that you are giving your body the constant feed of vitamins it needs to keep your immune system healthy all year round.

Chronic Pain Management

Studies show that chronic pain can affect the functionality of your immune system. In order to combat this, it is a good idea to check in with your pain management specialists. Chiropractors and massage therapists are a great resource for keeping your pain in check. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help keep your spine aligned and stop your pain before it even starts. Not only is this a good way to stop your pain from interfering with your immune system, but it’s also a good way to stay ahead of your pain so that you can stay active and ready for your day to day life. This will also help you to manage your mental stress, which many people have been finding to be quickly rising with the recent increase in frightening news. It is also great for increasing blood flow, which has been shown to better immune system response.

Social Distancing

While we have been rushing about to make certain that our homes are well-stocked in the unlikely case of quarantine, we may be forgetting to distance ourselves from other people. While it may seem like overkill, social distancing has been recommended by the CDC to help prevent the spread of the virus. This will help to stop the virus from spreading all at once and hopefully all together. Try to avoid large, crowded areas including concerts, weddings, and even parks. Even though it might be tough to tell the kids they can’t go out to the park across the street, there are other activities they can partake in outdoors that do not require large gatherings.

Stay Active

While practicing social distancing can make it difficult to feel comfortable while going to the gym, there are still plenty of ways to stay active while avoiding large gatherings. There are hundreds of online resources for at-home workouts such as yoga, pilates, and various cardio workouts. If the kids are getting antsy, consider taking them on a family bike ride around the block or for a nature walk on your local hiking trail. Another option, if it’s within your budget, is to purchase a stationary bike or treadmill to make sure that you are still getting your cardio exercise each day. If you do insist on going to the gym, just make sure to wipe down the equipment with disinfectant wipes both before and after you use it. This helps to prevent you from picking up any illness someone else may be carrying and also helps the next person do the same in case you are carrying anything without knowing.

Stay Hydrated

Something that a lot of us tend to overlook when there is a rash of illnesses is our hydration. Staying hydrated helps your body combat sickness by loosening mucus and keeping your throat moistened. Additionally, it helps to keep bones, muscles, and joints moving the way they should. If you notice that you are feeling ill, start drinking more water immediately. This will help flush out your system and lower fever symptoms if they are present. Staying hydrated will help all sicknesses even beyond coronavirus, and is especially important during illnesses such as the flu that can lead to dehydration.

Things might seem scary right now with all of the posts on social media and all of the news articles and broadcasts repeating all of the same information. It can be easy to get lost in the zeitgeist. During this time, try to remember to stay calm and listen to your healthcare providers. Managing stress and pain are both excellent ways to maintain your physical and mental health in a time when it can be difficult to know how to care for oneself. Along with taking the usual measures that you would when sickness is about. Remember to wash your hands for at least twenty seconds with disinfectant soap, listen closely to instructions and recommendations from the CDC, and stay informed while staying calm.