HEALTHY REPS
Health news and notes
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Physical health amid a pandemic
Focus on what you can control
The COVID-19 pandemic has likely brought many changes to how you live your life, and with it uncertainty, altered daily routines, financial pressures and social isolation, wrote Dana Sparks for Mayo Clinic’s health blog. “You may worry about getting sick, how long the pandemic will last and what the future will bring. Information overload, rumors and misinformation can make your life feel out of control and make it unclear what to do.” Sparks provided several self-care strategies, including a watchful eye over one’s physical health. Suggestions included getting enough sleep, participating in regular physical activity, eating a well-balanced diet, avoid tobacco, alcohol and drugs, limiting screen time and find ways to relax and recharge.
During a crisis, our minds can often wander to anxious, stress-inducing thoughts. In a post for Piedmont Healthcare’s Living Better blog, Mark Flanagan, LMSW, MPH, MA, a social worker at Cancer Wellness at Piedmont suggested that rather than dwell on nervousness, you should focus on the things you can control. “When you move the locus of control from something outside yourself to inside yourself, you powerfully reduce anxiety and boost confidence.” One suggestion he gave for reducing stress was to create a morning routine. When you’re stuck at home, it can be tempting to let go of basic routines, but Flanagan says a morning routine can help you feel more productive and positive. Consider waking up at the same
June 2020
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