Are You Experiencing Difficulties Due to Isolation During Covid-19?

The risks of social isolation are very high, especially during a pandemic. Working from home, not seeing loved ones and isolating from peers can lead to physical and mental health illnesses. According to the American Psychology Association, social isolation is correlated with a significant decline in cognitive performance, increases in pre-existing cognitive impairments, elevated blood pressure, and disrupted sleep patterns. Furthermore, according to Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University, loneliness and social isolation are twice as harmful to physical and mental health as obesity. In the El Paso and Horizon communities we are still facing the problems of covid-19, so it’s important that we remain aware of our physical and mental well-being, have you or someone you love been feeling isolated from friends and family?

Here at La Familia del Paso, we care about your health and want to get you feeling better than ever. We have programs that are curated to help individuals engage in social activities and participate in group programs all while making sure covid-19 safety guidelines are met.

If you’re working from home, or are having difficulty due to isolation during the pandemic, here are 6 quick tips to help you stay mentally and physically healthy:

1.Pre-Prepare meals

Having wholesome food in the fridge will help you resist those take out cravings. Try to make

well-balanced meals and incorporate all necessary nutrients, vitamins and proteins.

2. Move every day

Find ways to engage your body. A healthy body equals a healthy mind. Going for a small walk, practicing yoga, and dancing are a few good ways to keep you active.

3. Create a routine (and stick to it)

Daily routines help you maintain healthy habits and cope with change. Make sure you get a full night’s sleep and try to be consistent in your daily activities.

4. Get away from the screen

Shut your laptop and take regular breaks to refresh your mind. Staying in front of a computer or a phone for too long can cause physical problems such as back and neck pain.

5. Stay in contact

Schedule video chats with friends and family to keep connected with those you love. It can be hard to maintain social relationships during a pandemic, reach out to your family and friends and let them know you care.

6. Avoid catastrophizing

Don’t focus on the worst thing that could happen. Focus on the best. If you find yourself

thinking negatively, try to replace that thought with something more positive.

Following these steps are a great start to maintaining a healthy life, but it isn’t always enough. We highly recommend regularly seeing a physician and reaching out to a professional if you are experiencing any physical or mental health issues. Remember, you and your loved ones are not alone. Reach out to us today and make an appointment. At La Familia del Paso, every member is treated like family.

References:

Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., Baker, M., Harris, T., & Stephenson, D. (2015). Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors for Mortality: A Meta-Analytic Review. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(2), 227–237. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691614568352

Novotney, A. (2019, May). The risks of social isolation. Retrieved January 21, 2021, from

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation