7 tips for staying connected and safe in a post-covid world

More than two years after the coronavirus pandemic first reared its head, life has returned to some semblance of normality.

Nationwide lockdowns are a thing of the past, we are no longer required to social distance, and you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone wearing a face mask.

It’s unarguably a good thing that people can carry on with their lives and spend time with loved ones. But not everyone is ready to go back to normal after the pandemic.

For some, the pace of change is too fast, and it will take more time to readjust to a post-Covid world.

If you, or your friends and family, are vulnerable, you may understandably remain a little anxious about going out in public.

After all, the virus has not gone away completely. We may have vaccines and better medical treatment for Covid-19, but it’s still possible to get sick.

It is still possible for you to live your life while taking steps to protect yourself simultaneously.

You can do many things to manage your anxiety while reducing your chances of becoming ill. Here are seven tips for staying safe.

Go at your own pace

Even if all of your friends and family are scrapping the hand sanitizer and making big plans, that doesn’t mean you have to.

It’s important to remember that everyone has been affected differently by the pandemic, and it’s ok for you to go at a different pace.

Keep wearing your mask and washing your hands regularly if you want to, and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks.

You shouldn’t feel pressured to do anything you’re not comfortable with. Feel free to say no to invitations, and don’t worry what other people think.

Your loved ones will understand your situation and won’t judge you for your actions. Take things one day at a time, and gradually ease back into socializing when you have built up some more confidence.

Maintain healthy habits

You can take steps to reduce your risk of serious illness if you catch Covid-19. The better your overall health, the more likely you are to make a full recovery.

Make an effort to look after your physical well-being by exercising and eating well. Find a way to incorporate at least thirty minutes of moderate-intensity activity into your day.

This could be anything from a brisk walk to a vigorous workout in your living room. Plenty of free exercise videos online help you maintain your fitness routine.

A nutritious diet is also essential, as it will ensure your body is better positioned to fight viruses. Include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet, as well as a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.

Treat yourself now and then is ok, but try to limit your consumption of processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, and sugary snacks. 

Avoid crowds

You can keep yourself safe by avoiding big crowds. If you take public transport, travel outside peak hours so you’ll have more breathing space.

Go shopping early or late in the evening when stores are quieter and don’t attend big social events unless you feel 100% comfortable doing so.

Attending healthcare appointments can cause concern, as you will likely encounter sick people. Make sure you wear your mask and sanitize throughout your visit to avoid catching – or spreading – anything.

If you don’t feel safe going to the doctor or hospital, booking an appointment with a GP online is possible.

Services like DrHouse allow you to consult with a medical professional over a video chat, explaining your symptoms and receiving a diagnosis in a matter of minutes. 

Don’t neglect your relationships

Even though you may not be going out a lot, it is still important to prioritize your social relationships. Don’t let the global situation isolate you.

You can still connect with your loved ones even though you may not be hugging or shaking hands for a while. So get the habit of calling a friend to chat now and then and speaking to your family over Zoom.

Maintaining your social life will prevent you from feeling lonely and boost your quality of life in this post-pandemic world.

Ask for help

Even though your friends and family might not be on the same page, they will still understand and respect your feelings. Make sure you explain to those close to you that you are not entirely at ease in public.

This way, they will know to keep their distance and avoid putting you in uncomfortable situations. You can also ask them for assistance with your shopping or other household errands if you need it.

Verify your sources of information

At the height of the pandemic, a lot of scary information was passed around, some of it true but much of it exaggeration or complete rubbish. So you must verify your sources of information before taking it to heart or passing it on.

Otherwise, you risk heightening your anxiety for no reason. Instead, use trusted, unbiased news websites to find your facts, or better yet, the websites of official healthcare providers or areas of government.

Look after your mental health

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so you need to balance your priorities.

If you spend too much time on your own reading gloomy news stories, you will inevitably end up feeling stressed, anxious, and depressed.

Look after yourself by limiting the amount of time you spend online. Instead, put down your phone and engage in activities that make you feel happy and positive.

Go for walks in nature, exercise, connect with loved ones, and engage in self-care.

These are just a few ways to stay safe in a post-Covid world. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to maintain your physical and mental health without compromising your quality of life.

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