How to keep your family safe while you socially disengage.
Get outside and be active with your friends.
Adults and children should move daily, especially since we spend more time sitting at home or learning online. Being active is good for your physical health and can help you cope with stress and anxiety when your family experiences a loss in your daily routine.
Children should exercise for at least an hour every day. Although your family may be limited in places they can exercise, there are many activities you and your family can do at home. These include a virtual fitness class or a family dance contest. It’s okay to exercise outdoors with your family, as long as you keep at least six feet from other people.
Get enough water
Your body’s ability to function well is dependent on your water intake. Water has a major impact on your energy, brain function, general health, and overall health. It can be difficult to remember to drink enough water with all the other things going on. Here are some creative ways to encourage your children to drink more water.
- Use a silly straw
- Make fun shapes out of the water and add them to your drink
- Include more fruits and veggies in your diet
- You can flavour water with pieces of fruit or even a splash of juice.
It’s also possible to teach your children how to check the colour of their urine. They’re doing well if it’s clear or pale yellow. They should drink more water if it is dark.
Do not consume too much caffeine.
Too much caffeine can lead to health problems. This includes soda, coffee, tea and other beverages. Caffeine can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which could harm your health. We don’t know how much time we will be in quarantine, so it’s best not to drink more coffee. It’ll be not easy to get rid of once things return to normal.
Encourage everyone to eat a balanced diet.
While social distancing may limit your grocery shopping trips, choosing healthy foods might be more difficult. Do your best. You can freeze fruits and vegetables if you have the space. They have the same nutritional value as of fresh produce, but they will last longer.
While it can be tempting to snack while working from home, try to eat three balanced meals each night. While you can indulge in a few cravings, it is best to make healthy choices as we never know when we will be able to return to our normal routines. It’s common for children to eat less at mealtimes, so offer them healthy snacks all day.
Spend time building community.
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to be present for your family in today’s digital age. This is due to constant distractions from technology and social media. It’s also difficult to find “a village” when extended families live far away. Make use of technology to host virtual family gatherings for extended family members.
Stressful is social isolation. This is why it’s a great time to strengthen your family unit and be intentional about your time together. Sharing meals is one of the best ways you can do this.
You can join virtual gatherings hosted or local organizations, in addition to staying connected with your immediate family. Many museums, zoos and churches use video feed to entertain, share common interests and preserve cultural and religious traditions.
You will get enough sleep if you follow a set bedtime routine.
One of the best ways to determine how well you are sleeping is by observing your morning mood. Are you feeling tired or rejuvenated? Sleep is essential for having enough energy and being focused throughout the day. Try to get to bed earlier if you or your children have trouble sleeping. Your body will know what is coming, so a regular bedtime routine can make it easier to fall asleep.
As they are processing the day, bedtime can be an excellent time to bond with your children emotionally. This is why bedtime can be a great time for…
Talk about your feelings.
Many are experiencing more anxiety than normal due to uncertainty and change. It is okay to feel worried, grief and anger. Please encourage your children to openly discuss how they feel and accept that all emotions are normal and valid.
Limit your screen time whenever possible
While it’s important to keep up with the latest news, too much time spent on social media and watching TV can cause anxiety and stress. Your kids might need to use technology more often for distance learning. However, it is possible to incorporate other activities between screen time.
Regular hand washing is a preventative measure.
Hand hygiene is a great way to prevent the spread of germs. Other preventive medicine guidelines can help reduce your risk of getting sick.
- Sneezing and coughing in your sleeves
- You should disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched in your home
- Regular screenings and immunizations are important to keep you up-to-date
- Use video visits and other forms of virtual communication to partner with your primary care provider.
It can be difficult to discern fact from fiction as information changes quickly. Your primary healthcare provider (PCP) is the best source of accurate information. They’re available to answer any questions and address any concerns.
You can use technology to communicate with your doctor about the best time and place to seek care. Many doctor offices communicate virtually using services such as MedStar’s Video Visits, which connects patients to doctors via their smartphone, tablet or computer. Call your PCP or find a primary care provider close to you to learn the best way for you to keep in touch.
Contact your doctor immediately if you or someone in the family experiences shortness of breath, persistent or worsening cough.