The year 2020 may be coming to an end but the challenges we faced this year, especially the COVID-19 pandemic, have caused great impacts and have affected our lives in many aspects. From the economy to healthcare services, food accessibility, education, employment and many more. Since the implementation of community quarantine to control the virus, many of us were puzzled on how to adjust on this “new normal” of living. Many plans were cancelled and the usual activities that people normally do with their daily living, before the pandemic arises, were altered. And among these many activities are the healthy routines including the morning walks or jogs, strolling and trekking, doing exercises and other outdoor activities, healthy eating practices and a lot more.

This upcoming year of 2021, you may find it challenging to continue or start over doing the healthy habits while adapting the new normal. But worry no more because we will be giving you some tips that may inspire you to add on your resolutions’ list this new year.

Resolution no. 1:  Be healthy from the COVID-19 virus!

• Regularly wash or sanitize your hands, especially before and after eating (if possible, you should carry hand sanitizer with you when you leave the house).
• Avoid touching your face as much as possible – this is how some viruses enter the body.
• Stay home if you’re feeling sick and get tested.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, but make sure you throw the tissue in a bin straight away.
• Avoid hugging, kissing or shaking hands with someone to prevent infection.
• Clean always the areas in your home.
• Try and keep two big steps away from other people as much as possible.

Resolution no. 2: Have a healthy mind

• Remember that it is always okay to ask for help if you need it.
• Active movements are great for your mental and physical wellbeing.
• Continue to check in on your friends and family near and far, through video chats and phone calls
• Try to think about the positive things in your life right now, rather than listening and hearing all the negative things happening in the world, and remember to take some time away from the media, social media and your devices.

Resolution no. 3: Be physically healthy

• Visit your doctor or hospital for medical appointments. During this pandemic, health appointments may continue to be available in different forms from different service providers, including appointments over-the-phone, video calls and getting your prescriptions online.
• You should continue doing some kind of physical activity whenever you can to help your mental and physical wellbeing
• Keeping a balanced diet with go, glow, and grow foods will also help physical wellbeing
• Drink enough water and get enough sleep to complete your overall health

We do not know how long this virus will be around us. All we need to do is to work together to ensure we are doing the right things for our friends, family, colleagues and our community, to stop its spread. Following these 3 resolutions while adopting to the “New Normal” will surely be a great start of your 2021!

From the National Nutrition Council IX, may you have a healthy and prosperous new year!

NOI Angelica O. Pajulas

References:

Keeping up healthy habits in the “new normal” from https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/keeping-healthy-habits-new-normal-covid-19-coronavirus-hand-washing-social-distancing-queensland#:~:text=get%20into%20the%20habit%20of,from%20others%20on%20a%20train