So, it’s finally here. If you haven’t had COVID, then you surely know someone who has. Or at least know someone who has had to isolate. It’s played havoc with us all this summer. We’re sending some tips for you to cope with isolating, being sick, and then recovering.
If you’re just isolating:
It’s not as easy to exercise as in lockdown, because you can’t leave the house!
Dig in to Youtube yoga, online exercise apps, and physical gardening and housework. You might be looking after someone at home, but don’t forget to look after yourself. Catch up on reading and viewing, but break up times of being inactive. It’s best to get up and move every 20-30 minutes, and you can do that even while you’re binge-watching Yellowstone! Maintain good hygiene to try to prevent anyone getting sick, and get outside every day. It’s a good chance to take on a creative or organising project at home so you can be pleased to achieve something while you’re at home.
If you’re sick and isolating:
Your first job is to rest and get better! Make sure you seek medical attention if your situation worsens. Viruses make our brain recall all our sore spots, so it’s quite normal to feel sore all over even if you haven’t injured yourself.
Make sure you’re changing positions regularly, even if you’re lying down or sitting on the couch to rest. You don’t want a sore neck or back to hold up your recovery. Do some shoulder rolls, bend up and down, hug your knees to your chest, turn and tilt your head side to side. Add in any stretch or movement that feels good.
Sit up every hour or so and take some long, slow breaths through your nose, letting your belly rise with the breath. This helps oxygen get right to the bottom of your lungs where there is the most blood for it to transfer into.
And again, if you are getting short of breath or start to feel worse, seek medical attention.
If you’re recovering:
Go slow!! We’re trying to figure out what contributes to long COVID, but it’s certain that rushing back after any illness can delay recovery. Ease back into any activity and don’t be afraid to say “no” and “not yet” to various commitments. We’ve seen a lot of people who are sore from being inactive while they’re unwell. Do gentle movement once or twice a day, and if your soreness sticks around, come in and see us.
