See how Amadeus and Danica stay healthy during these times!
– Danica
Before COVID I was in california enjoying my life as a regular teen, was doing great at school and living my life. So we went back to the Philippines after i finished my semester we visited the philippines as a quick visit for my friends and family here, about a month went by and so COVID came. I felt terrible about the lives that were being lost and the challenges people were having to live through but I wasn’t concerned about my safety. But not too much time passed until the first cases were announced in Negros Oriental, the province I’m currently in. I was overwhelmed with all the changes that were happening. A late night in March we were notified by the news channel that the school I went to and other schools would be closed until a later date. Just like that everything started to change and the fear grew larger. I kept thinking the worst. What if something happened to my parents, or my family members or even my friends? Most of the shops were closed, nothing was open.
Now we were officially quarantined. Everything seemed like a nightmare I was unable to wake up from. We unfortunately can’t get a flight back to L.A because most of the flights were grounded but there were evacuation flights but my mom thought it was too risky to fly back especially the U.S.A has the most cases, and so I had no choice but to enroll in silliman. What made it even worse were the exaggerating and fake news people kept spreading all over social media. We started online classes on the upcoming days. I can’t complain. I was happy I wouldn’t be left behind in my classes but it wasn’t the same not being able to be with my friends physically.
Online classes were much worse than I thought compared to face-to-face classes. Overall I had a good time with my family. It was pretty nice to have everyone gathering around the table again with only each other to talk to. I am lucky that my loved ones are safe and healthy and I am grateful for all the hardworking first responders that sacrificed so much to help us during this difficult time. I liked my life before the virus more. But it isn’t bad now either. So here are tips on how to stay healthy during this pandemic which i think works great!
1.) Have a healthy and balanced diet
Keeping a healthy diet may also help boost your immune system to help fight COVID-19. Include lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grain and healthy protein in your daily diet. Never forget to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day and avoid taking too much caffeine from coffee or black tea. Opt for herbal tea such as peppermint tea to help with your digestion, chamomile tea to help you sleep better.
2.) Never forget to exercise!
It may somehow seem difficult to exercise when you are unable to go to the gym or attend your favorite fitness classes. But, says Wohlford, “It’s important to find new ways to exercise, which benefits both your physical and mental health.” Exercise affects blood flow, how your body is nourished, and it can help reduce anxiety and depression. Try to aim at least 150 mins. Of moderate exercises each week.
3.) Adequate sleep
Having good sleep is essential to our overall health. According to The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the nation’s leading medical research agency: “Immune system activation alters sleep, and sleep in turn affects the innate and adaptive arm of our body’s defense system.” the amount of sleep requires 7 or more hours for 18-60 years while people under the age of 18 requires at least 8 hours of sleep.
4.) Self-care
Take the time to take care of yourself. Be supportive and suggest the same for those close to you. Relaxation, meditation, quality time with family, personal care of yourself promotes overall wellness.
5.) Stay connected
Talking with our loved ones while in isolation/quarantine can help reduce the anxiety and instances of feeling down. Take the time to utilize the multitudes of technologies and apps (many are free) that can help you stay in touch with those you love. Our busy lives before the COVID-19 may have limited how often we connected with distant loved ones, now is the time to fully exploit these modern capabilities for companionship, fellowship and camaraderie.
– Amadeus
The Healthy Option 