FOR Alumni and Friends OF THE DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Your lifestyle management during COVID-19 By Ms Samantha Rajcoomar, Manager: Employee Wellness Programme
The COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown has certainly created unprecedented upheaval in all of our lives. Many employees are still working remotely but there are still things you can do to help reduce your anxiety and keep your daily routine chugging along.
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lthough social distancing complicates matters, you should make it your goal to stay mentally, physically and medically healthy during this stressful time. Manage your well-being in the next few weeks with the following self-care and survival tips.
Eat Well I am sure that figuring out what’s for breakfast, lunch and supper can be challenging and frustrating. Remember that good nutrition is crucial for good health, particularly in times when the immune system might need to fight back. Panic buying and disruptions to food supply systems mean that some food items can now be difficult to source: • • •
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Firstly, ensure that all food items in your pantry and freezer are within their best before and expiry dates. Easy, affordable and healthy food should be a priority. Although comfort food may be calling out to you, remember to prioritise foods from all essential food groups, including protein, grains, vegetables and healthy fats. Fill your plate with immune-boosting nutrients. Remember that dry goods like rice, pasta, beans, and oats are a good foundation, as they not only have a long shelf life, they are also easy to store and they can be incorporated into a variety of nutritious meals.
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Prioritise fresh foods first before turning to nonperishable items. Build up a stock of healthy snacks. Limit highly processed food in your diet. Limit processed food with too much salt, sugar and fat. Go easy on the frozen meals. Make cooking and eating a fun and meaningful part of your family routine. Get creative with cooking and try new recipes or revive old favourites. Stay hydrated and try to avoid alcohol. Remember that good hygiene is important when handling food to prevent food-borne illnesses.
Be Safe if you are at Higher Risk Although no one is invulnerable and at zero risk when it comes to the coronavirus, some individuals are at a much higher risk for serious complications. If you or a family member are an older person with underlying medical conditions such as emphysema, cancer, hypertension, lung and heart diseases, diabetes or any other condition that compromises your immune system, then you need to take heed of the following: •
Follow COVID-19 prevention recommendations which focus on handwashing, social distancing, respiratory etiquette and self-isolation or selfquarantine, when appropriate.
DUTConnect // 23
