With the COVID-19 pandemic causing upheaval with no end in sight, it’s no wonder that many of us are feeling stressed and anxious. Without the promise of an ‘end date’, many men are also concerned about their financial security and health of their families. We all need reminders to focus on ourselves now and then, so if you feel overwhelmed right now, here are some simple self-care tips to help you navigate difficult times.
Eat right
Make sure you’re eating plenty of fruits and vegetables limiting fat and sugar. If social distancing has given you more free time at home, consider experimenting with new recipes and cooking meals from scratch. Don’t forget to stay well hydrated.
Don’t forget your medications
The disruption to your usual schedule may make it harder to remember when to take your medications, or to pick up prescription refills before they run out. Create a new pharmacy run routine or move your medications to a more prominent location in your bathroom. Forgetting to take prescribed medications, including your testosterone treatment, even if you only miss a couple of days, may negatively impact your general health and well-being.
Although you might want to avoid visiting your medical health care professional in person, do not neglect small health problems as they can become more serious concerns if left untreated. Most doctors offer telemedicine appointments, either by telephone or video – check to see if yours does too. These appointments are brief, easy, convenient and complete, even for those who are not tech savvy.
Get moving
Exercise is great for both your physical and mental health, just 10 minutes of an activity that gets your heart rate up will help you feel revitalized. Activities such as hiking, running and cycling can all be done in a safe, socially distant fashion.
Take a short walk around the neighborhood, park, or spend a couple of hours enjoying your garden. The fresh air will invigorate you, and the sounds of nature will have an uplifting effect on your mood.
Catch up with your friends
Social distancing doesn’t mean staying in social isolation! Schedule a Zoom ‘happy hour’ with your friends. Plan a virtual game night. A simple text conversation, or better yet a video chat, to check in with a friend will make both of you feel happier.
Step away from your screens
Although we sometimes feel obligated to keep up with the endless news cycle, staying glued to your screens only adds to your stress and stops you from being able to relax. Likewise, social media has the power to connect, uplift and entertain – but can also cause anger, grief and pessimism. Take a couple of days’ break from checking social media, or just put down the phone and computer for a few hours every evening.