April 7, 2020
Five Ways to Stay Positive and Healthy in Isolation
We understand that times are difficult, but we are in this together. We're all facing similar struggles and sometimes having someone to talk to is all you need. We have our Prairie Relief Team in place for our residents with questions regarding things such as their rental payments. The Team can be reached at prairie-relief@avenueliving.ca.
While, there are many ways we can all find positivity throughout our situation, to help ease those feelings a little, we have compiled five ways that can help you stay positive and healthy in isolation at home.
Many of us may have already stocked up on our necessities, accepted our situation, and are starting to find that new normal. It's okay if you're not there yet, because it takes time.
Like in life pre-COVID-19, finding daily routine and structure can anchor us. It promotes positive mental health. Finding those daily habits can be difficult in a time of crisis, but it edges us one step closer to acceptance, positive physical and mental health, and thus finding our new normal.
We're sure you'll have your own techniques for finding positivity, and we hope that you'll share them with us. Here are five ways that can help you stay positive and healthy in isolation.
Scroll down for resources at the bottom.
Connect
Studies have shown that social support is directly related to psychological well-being and greater job satisfaction. Friends and family play an important role in our lives. It can be hard to spend this time apart. But with technology, it has never been easier to stay connected.
There are many ways to continue to have fun with friends and family through virtual connectivity. You can still sit back and watch a movie with your loved ones despite some distance. Netflix Party is a great app to watch a movie together virtually, while video chat software such as Zoom can keep you connected and together, in the virtual sense. Or of course, you can pick up the phone.
As a support line for all of our residents, we took it one step further with the beginnings of our Avenue Living Community Task Force. Send us a message at COVID-19@avenueliving.ca or give us a call at 1-855-247-1492. We can help with things like groceries, walking your dog, or just that friendly voice to talk to.
Some say the oldest form of a friend is a good book. Others find their comfort through creation, meditation, exercise. We're all different, but with that same goal to find solace.
Exercise
Some may find that solace in physical fitness.
We all know physical activity helps our minds and our bodies in many ways. Exercise releases chemicals in the brain. It's a great feeling, right? An increase in mood, better sleep, more energy and exercise can even boost your immune system.
It's important to still get outside when you can, but it all depends where you live, while we're all still trying to keep our distance from others. If you are unable to take that stroll outside, there are many options for getting your much-needed workout indoors. You can find video lessons on YouTube and plenty of great apps on your device to get you started and stay in great shape.
Relax
Relaxation isn't just about peace of mind or enjoying a hobby. It's a process that decreases the effects of stress on your mind and body. Generally, relaxation can slow heart rate, lower blood pressure, improve digestion, reduce stress hormones, and improve sleep quality, amongst other benefits.
Meditation is a popular form of relaxation. It's about becoming mindful and paying close attention to the present moment. Again, there are plenty of apps on your device to help you learn and practice meditation techniques like paying close attention to your breathing in a dark room.
Knowledge
Knowledge is what helps us make decisions. It's happening in our daily lives right now. From knowing when to self-isolate, to social distancing etiquette, to how to protect ourselves daily. It's all knowledge that helps us decide how to act.
We love sharing knowledge, because if we all know how we should act, then we are stronger together. We're dedicated to providing you the knowledge you deserve as our resident. We update our COVID-19 communication page daily, and have provided reliable sources of knowledge in all our communities via our blog here.
It's important to be selective about news sources. Seeking information from credible sources like the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization will give you the plain facts, while it helps to avoid media coverage with sensationalism and fear-provoking imagery.
Diet
People who eat a well-balanced diet tend to be healthier with stronger immune systems. Eating a variety of fresh and unprocessed foods every day to get crucial vitamins, minerals, fibre, protein and antioxidants is vital, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO suggests drinking eight to 10 cups of water, eating four servings of fruit, five servings of vegetables, 180 grams of grains, and 160 grams of meat and beans every day.
It is important to stock up on foods that will stay fresh for one week or longer. Sauces, soups, juice, milk, eggs, cheese, beans, and chicken are all examples of food we should keep in good supply. While we all should protect ourselves by practicing methods of safety and sanitization at the grocery store. Use a disinfecting wipe on your grocery cart, if the grocery stores are not doing it already, and use contactless methods of payment where you can.
It all starts with adapting to our new normal, whatever that may look like. And remember, we are in this together and none of us are alone.
Need some help? Get in touch!
Prairie Relief Team - For current residents, rental enquiries: prairie-relief@avenueliving.ca OR
call 1-855-247-1492 ext. 5
Community Task Force - For assistance with groceries, walking your dog and other assistance email: COVID-19@avenueliving.ca
Resources
- Connect: Virtual connectivity is possible with our friends and family via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype video chat or hosting a Netflix party using this app
- Exercise: Check out these fitness apps for indoor exercise and workout routines
- Relax: New to meditation? Read The New York Times guide to mediation
- Knowledge: The Mental Health Commission of Canada provides advice on news media, says to limit news intake to 1-3 times per day
- Knowledge: Important to stay informed from reliable sources like the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization
- Knowledge: Our COVID-19 communication page is updated daily, while we have also provided resources of reliable sources of information in all our communities
- Diet: The World Health Organization suggests eating a balanced diet
- Diet: Nutrition.org lists what we should stock up on