While the world waits for news of the successful development of a vaccine against COVID-19, many people are concerned about the possibility of getting sick. The good news is, there are many things you can take control of in your daily life to ensure you stay as healthy as possible, and give your body the best chance of fighting off infections.

What measures should you be taking right now to keep yourself and your family protected?

Six ways to stay fighting-fit 

  1. Physical distancing: Keep your distance physically to prevent infection but don’t neglect social interaction as this is important for emotional wellbeing, which in turn boosts your immune system. Keeping a safe distance from others is particularly important if you are a person with an underlying health risk.
  2. Eat right: A balanced diet will give your body the nutrients it needs to keep your immune system healthy, helping you to fight off infections. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet that is high in fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes and whole grains. If possible, try to choose fresh foods over processed foods. A good quality multivitamin supplement can also help to make up for anything you’re not getting enough of in your daily diet, but it is best to get advice on what you need.
  3. Stay active: Set aside some time every day to do some exercise appropriate for your fitness level. Physical activity helps to support heart health and respiratory health. It also helps to relieve stress and keep you feeling emotionally balanced. If you have symptoms like a cough, tight chest or shortness of breath, avoid exercising until you have fully recovered!
  4. Manage your stress: Stress hormones like cortisol suppress immune system function and leave you more vulnerable to infection. Chronic stress also decreases your body’s disease-fighting white blood cells. Simply put, stress poses a big threat to your health.
    It’s important to combat stress by making time for relaxing and restful activities every day. Meditation and breathing exercises can be very helpful, as can gentle yoga and stretching.
    A balanced diet and healthy sleep schedule help to regulate stress, and exercise will release mood-boosting chemicals that are great for easing stress.
    If you’re struggling with feelings of anxiety, it’s also important to look for emotional support. You can call LifeAssist to speak to one of our professional counsellors.
  5. Quit smoking: Habits like smoking and vaping put you at greater risk of serious respiratory symptoms when you’re exposed to COVID-19, ‘flu or other infections. Smokers are more likely to be hospitalised or admitted to the ICU.
  6. Personal hygiene: Take extra hygiene precautions to protect yourself and your family against the spread of germs.
    Wash your hands regularly and correctly with soap and hot water.
    Wear a mask in public.
    Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
    Frequently sanitise personal items that make contact with your face like mobile phones, earphones and spectacles.
    Stick to the physical distancing guidelines, and always cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
  7. In your home
    Sanitise high-touch surfaces, like door handles, countertops, taps, light switches, kitchen appliances and TV remotes, with alcohol-based sanitiser.
    Clean your home regularly with household cleaning materials.
    Wash your bedding, towels and clothing regularly, and air it in the sunshine as often as possible.
    Follow good food safety habits in the kitchen, and take extra care to ensure that your produce is washed and your grocery packaging is cleaned before packing it away.
    When you come home from a crowded place, such as a shopping centre or store, take off your shoes at the door, spray/wipe the underside with sanitiser or a bleach solution and leave it to dry, and change into clean clothes – taking care to separate worn and clean clothing, and to keep worn clothing off the floor and furniture.

These healthy everyday habits will help to protect your overall wellness while we wait for the development of a vaccine.

For free counselling and health advice, contact LifeAssist.