Wherever we look, the world has turned its attention again to the coronavirus (COVID‐19) crisis that is causing stress, anxiety, and panic. Whether you’re taking a virtual class, working from home, or practicing physical distancing for you and your family’s safety, we’re all dealing with a new normal together. This might be easy for some, but studying and working from home is unusual for many. It’s been over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Like many other countries, India is also facing a sudden increase in daily cases, even after the vaccination drive. As compared to 2020, the daily cases are rising at a very high rate and over 2 lakh people tested positive in the last 2 days in India. This indicates that 2nd wave of COVID-19 has arrived. Doctors and experts figured out that this year, the younger generation is also getting infected, and most of them have least to no symptoms. This situation has caused many people around the world to feel anxious and stressed about becoming infected. You can stay safe and healthy by simply following some protocols.
During day-to-day activities, people can take the following measures to prevent infection and stay safe, in accordance with WHO guidelines:
1. Wear mask properly and stay safe
Wearing a mask is the new normal. But people do not know or follow how to wear a mask properly, as masks have become an important part of our lives. So, wearing it properly should be the top priority to stay safe. First of all, clean your hands before you put your mask on. As well as before and after you take it off, and after you touch it each time. Your mask should cover your nose, mouth, and chin. When you take off your mask, put it in a clean plastic bag. Wash your mask every day if it’s a fabric one, or dispose of the mask if it’s a medical one.
2. Sanitize your hands regularly
You can get infected by the virus if you are touching something that has a virus present on it and then you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. The probability of getting infected by this is less but still, it is possible. So, wash your hands properly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coming from any public place, or after coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available to you, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% of alcohol. Also avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands to stay safe from the virus.
3. Maintain Social Distancing
Make sure to maintain at least a 1-meter distance between yourself and others. This will reduce the risk to get infected, if people around you are coughing or sneezing while speaking try to maintain a greater distance from them to stay safe. The risk of getting infected by COVID-19 is higher in crowded places where infected people spend much time together in close presence. The virus can spread more easily in crowded places, so maintaining social distancing is much needed.
Now, here are some things you can do to keep yourself healthy during this pandemic:
1. Maintain Healthy Habits and stay safe
To keep yourself healthy, it is very important to perform healthy exercise. Getting engaged in physical activity is one of the best things for a healthy immune system and it also helps in reducing stress. Start doing 30 minutes of exercise daily, whether it is dancing, lifting weights, practicing yoga, or aerobics at home. If you go out for exercise, make sure to maintain 1- meter or greater distance from others to stay safe. Also, maintain healthy nutrition habits by consuming fruits and vegetables, and fewer sweets and sugary drinks. Avoid ordering food from outside to stay safe.
2. Try not to stress out
Research has found that reducing stress is one of the most important components of overall health. It is a must for a healthy body during the pandemic. Stress usually occurs while watching negative news and reading negative articles about covid-19. Also, to stay safe and feel less stressed, you can connect with your loved ones through social media. Although doing things like exercise, meditation and prayers can also make your body feel relaxed and mind stable.
3. Don’t ignore Pre-Existing Conditions
People with incurable health diseases like diabetes or heart disease should make sure to stay safe and at the top of their disease management. It is very crucial for those who are unwell and are at high risk. So, don’t ignore your condition and take all the precautions, and try not to step outside of your homes unless it is necessary.