The Importance of Self Care while in isolation

Kate Save · Originally published 2020-04-02

Whether you are self-quarantining or practising social distancing, we are all adjusting to a new normal. It is a time to look after your mental health and reflect on what is important. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and you may be experiencing feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Self-care is crucial for our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. 

Whilst this is a stressful time, there are things we can do for #SelfCare.

Stress management:

While a little dose of stress is a healthy way to give us a nudge that we need, constant stress and anxiety can have an adverse effect on your mental and physical health. Remember to take some time out for you. 

Be Fit Food's Tips: 

• Eat a nourishing diet
• Read a book
• Call a loved one
• Start journaling
• Do the Gardening
• Take a bath
• Spend time with your family and play board games
• Practice meditation (you can download guided meditations on your smartphone)

Better physical health:

Self-care is not just about your mental health. It’s also about caring for your physical self and exercising as often as possible. 

Be Fit Food’s Tips:

• Get outside, go for a walk and get some fresh air. 
• Support your local gym or sign up if you haven't got a membership. Most gyms have reduced their memberships fees and offering online, interactive classes for inside your home
• Download a running app on your smart phone and start running (following government physical distancing guidelines of course)
• Just move in any way that you like!

 A healthy work-life balance while in isolation:

Contrary to common belief, workaholism is not a virtue. Overwork, and the accompanying stress and exhaustion can make you less productive, disorganised and emotionally depleted. It can also lead to all sorts of health problems, from anxiety and depression to insomnia and heart diseases.

Be Fit Food’s Tips:

• Make sure your workplace is comfortable, with plenty of light, fresh air or even an indoor plant.
• Get into the habit of taking intermittent breaks, this will ensure you stay sharp, motivated and healthy.
• Know when to stop. Especially when working from home, it is easy to just keep going. 
• Speak to your team if you aren’t coping with added work pressures.
• Where possible, talk on the phone or use video chat so you're maintaining connection.
• At the end of the day, log off your computer and take time away from work. 

Take time out of each day & practice some self care, and you’ll feel better for it!

If you or someone you know is not coping contact your local GP. 

Related reading

• How to maintain your weight during self-isolation
• The Science of Self-Care: Beyond the Hashtag
• Self Care September: Eating Mindfully