According to Dr. Lynette Charity, general health guidelines are even more important as we self-isolate.
"It's hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle during a pandemic like this but it is crucial, not only for your body but also your brain..."
...says Dr. Charity, a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist who gives CME accredited talks to medical professionals about maintaining health and mental wellness. But how can we stay healthy when our usual routines are disrupted? We can't go to the gym, we're too stressed to sleep, there's endless time to binge-watch TV, and we're living off of a stockpile of perishable items like ramen and peanut butter.
According to Dr. Charity, creating a daily routine is extremely helpful and effective. Cut out time for proper meals, exercise, work, social interaction, and self-care. Stock your freezer and pantry with nutritious versatile ingredients that have a long shelf life. (Here is a good guide) Cooking can be a fun family activity that keeps your brain engaged and your kids occupied.
Reduce stress and improve sleep by monitoring your news intake. It's important to get regular factual information but choose reliable unbiased sources for information (like CDC and WHO) and don't scroll through your newsfeed before bedtime. Avoid emotional isolation by communicating regularly with your family and friends. You can chat on the phone and you can even plan group hangouts on skype or video chat.
“When it comes to staying active, creativity is key…”
...says Dr. Charity who has contributed to the growth of physician wellness programs across the country. Taking walks outside is great, as long as you avoid contact with other people. If that's not possible, there are tons of exercise videos on youtube for every level of fitness. You can dance, do yoga, walk up and down the stairs. In addition, Dr. Charity also urges people to follow hygiene rules. Wash your hands frequently, for 20 seconds with soap and water, cover coughs with a tissue or the crook of your arm, and if you must go in public, only do so when it is absolutely necessary and avoid peak hours for grocery shopping.
Dr. Lynette Charity is on a mission to promote mental and physical wellness during the Pandemic.
ABOUT DR. LYNETTE CHARITY:
Dr. Lynette Charity is a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist with over 35 years of experience “putting people to sleep”. She is also an author, humorist and award-winning international speaker who graduated with honors from Chatham College for Women and received her MD degree from Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Charity has practiced nationally, internationally and maintained a long private practice career. Drawing from her vast experience, she delivers personal and powerful stories that educate and inspire. She speaks to various groups in her capacity as a medical expert in the field of Anesthesiology, and her presentations are always sprinkled with humor.
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