The effect of Covid-19 on health self-care a – priority for 2021

Research links social isolation and loneliness to poor mental and physical health.

Studies show that the psychological impact of quarantine during disease outbreaks has a strong correlation to poor physical and mental health, shortening the lifespan and leading to an increase in suicide and suicidal ideation.

Closing of schools poses a burden on both parents and learners.

Parents worry that their children may fall behind in social, emotional and academic aspects of their lives, as well as causing additional stress and disruption of parents’ daily work routine and responsibilities.

Even heftier lockdown rules have been enforced on our geriatric population, also increasing their anxiety, depression, insomnia and general well-being as they are isolated from their loved ones, caregivers and families for extended periods of time.

Unemployment rates increase, posing great financial insecurity in many households, and this is clearly associated with depression, anxiety and low selfesteem, which may lead to a higher incidence of substance use disorders.

The list can be endless and the reality is that this pandemic is likely to have both short- and long-term implications for mental health and substance abuse.

It is therefore important to take care of yourself during this very trying time in the history of humans on this planets.

A few ideas would be:

Healthy eating (as much as budget can afford), and if you have time, even grow your own, (water wise) vegetables in your garden.

You can feed a family of four people on a vegetable garden the size of a door.

Regular exercise, as much as lockdown regulations allow, is important. The internet is about the only thing in abundance these days, with millions of exercise gurus and training programmes available at no cost.

Screen time: with the internet freely available, guard against binge surfing on the net, or compulsive gaming. Time stewardship regarding the internet, and especially in children and teenagers, is of utmost importance.

It is very important to have good sleeping habits, in a calm, tranquil environment, for at least six to eight hours per night — and even more for little ones.

Mindful mental practice, meditation, beautiful music, art, a good book all help, and try and keep your focus on the positive elements in your life.

Love and take care of your family. We only have each other.