The Importance of Maintaining Physical and Mental Health during Social Isolation

The effects of the coronavirus are disrupting all our lives. Social isolation, fear, uncertainty about the future, changes in the pace of social relationships can culminate in disorders such as depression and anxiety. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has acknowledged that this pandemic can create severe stress, and advises people to avoid repeatedly reading, seeing or hearing news that causes feelings of anxiety or distress. WHO recommends that people seek information that will primarily serve to take practical steps to prepare their plans and protect themselves and their loved ones. People should seek information updates at specific times during the day, once or twice. However, physical health is equally important. Some of the strategies you can adopt to meet the 30 minutes of moderate physical activity recommended by WHO are: avoid sitting, reclining or lying down for more than 30 minutes in a row; get up and walk around the house whenever you need to talk on your phone or during television commercial breaks; place the TV remote control at a distance that forces you to get up whenever you need to use it; alternate between sitting and standing position while working at the computer; perform domestic activities.