With much of the world still paused due to v, many people have an unprecedented amount of free time. What better way to use that free time than to catch up on health tasks you’ve been putting off? Without the bustle of your regular routine, you can put your health front and center—where it belongs.
Here are five important health tasks you can check off your to-do list, right from home.
1. Find a new workout program
Gyms may be closed in many areas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start a new workout program. Thanks to the internet, there are countless free instructional videos and guides available to help you begin. Now is a great time to try workouts you haven’t had a chance to before: strength-training, yoga, or even dancing. Many online shops are still running, so you can even get new gear—and get ready to work up a sweat!
If you’re not sure where to start, here are some at-home workout ideas to look into:
- 8 At-Home Workouts on Demand
- Fitness Blender At-Home Workouts and Programs
- Alo Moves At-Home Fitness, Yoga and Meditation
2. Check on your health insurance
If you’ve been intending to apply for health insurance or check your level of coverage, there’s no better time than now. This pandemic has highlighted how suddenly an unexpected health crisis can hit anyone; it’s vital to be prepared. In fact, a 2019 health insurance survey found that more than 80 percent of uninsured people couldn’t afford the cost of an emergency—or had to spend six or more months to pay it off.
Make sure you’re insured, be aware of what your policy will pay for, and determine where you need extra coverage by calling your health insurance provider. A simple call to your health insurance provider can help you better understand your policy and whether you need to make any changes.
3. Focus on healthy eating
With restaurants closed, and in some places, slowly opening, now is a great time to start cooking, trying new recipes and testing healthier cooking techniques. Start with eating the right foods. Harvard Health Publishing suggests focusing on immune-boosting foods:
“People are feeling a lot of stress right now, and the unfortunate reality is that stress worsens feelings of low mood or angst, and it also suppresses our immune systems. Therefore, targeting immune-boosting foods will have a dual effect—you may feel less anxious and boost your immunity.
According to Harvard, some great immune-boosting foods to add to your grocery list are:
- Citrus fruits
- Bell peppers
- Ginger, garlic, turmeric
- Oysters, clams, mussels
- Egg yolks
- Legumes
- Nuts and seeds
- Leafy greens
- Salmon and other fatty fish
- Pickles, sauerkraut, miso and kefir
4. Make telehealth appointments
Even with social distancing, it’s possible to see your doctor for that visit you’ve been putting off. Thanks to telehealth visits, you can be seen for many conditions, ranging from allergies to diabetes. GoodRx explains:
“For instance, if you suspect that a cut may be infected, you can schedule a virtual consultation with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. If you’re on vacation and think you’re coming down with strep throat, you can communicate with your primary care physician. If you need a birth control medication, you can chat through your needs and get a same-day prescription.”
They suggest that you can also use telemedicine for psychotherapy appointments, dermatology, and general medicine for colds, flu, insect bites, sore throat, diarrhea, pink eye, and other common health issues. Your current doctor likely offers this right now, so start by making an appointment with them before seeking a specialist.
5. Focus on your mental health
Your body isn’t all that matters; your mental health deserves attention as well. Due partly to pandemic stress, nearly 70 percent of Americans are currently feeling symptoms of depression and anxiety. This can be even more harmful if you already deal with mental health struggles.
Thankfully, many therapists are also doing remote sessions so you can care for your mind while staying home. If you’ve been wary of therapy, this is a great time to see the benefits from the comfort of your own home.
Don’t forget that there are many ways to take care of your mental health in addition to seeing a professional you can also meditate, make time to get out in nature, and more. Here are some ideas from Mental Health America:
- Write what you’re grateful for
- Tell yourself something positive
- Stay present
- Exercise
- Eat a healthy meal
- Open up to someone
- Do something for someone else
- Take a break
- Get enough rest
Take control of your health
While it may be tempting to binge-watch Netflix and eat all the snacks, now is a great opportunity to get your health in order. Catch up on all the self-care you’ve been putting off and give your health and fitness the attention it deserves.