Over the past two months, our collective attention as a society has been almost entirely focused on one thing: avoiding exposure to COVID-19. And while we’ve been practicing effective social distancing, staying safe at home, and managing our new routines— it is also likely that many of us have started to overlook our present-day health needs. Despite everything happening around the world and in our own communities, our own emotional, physical, and mental health requires continued personalized care. In addition, access to healthcare providers and resources may be significantly limited for some individuals. Despite these challenges, there are simple steps we can take to maintain some control over our health. Taking the time to carve out these new practices today, means that our health could be more streamlined and easier to manage in the coming months.

Read More: COVID-19 & Other Viruses: Preventative Measures for Virus & Flu

Supporting Your Health During & After A Pandemic

At this time, no one has the ability to predict when the pandemic will officially end. This daily uncertainty means that many of us already have or likely will develop mild to moderate symptoms of stress-related conditions such as sleep disturbances, high blood pressure, flares in autoimmune conditions, or increased inflammation. In an attempt to avoid non-essential trips to hospitals and doctor’s offices, many people are also opting to delay their annually scheduled doctor visits for lab work or physicals. This is a difficult decision that should be weighed carefully.

It’s very easy to get engulfed by the dozens of things that call our attention and neglect the subtle changes to our health and wellbeing, especially if our mild symptoms are not alerting us to pay attention. Try to pay attention to how you’re feeling day by day by keeping a brief mood and health diary. In the evening, take 5 minutes to jot down how you were feeling that day. Did you experience anxiety, headaches, new acne breakouts, poor sleep the previous night, or maybe flares in eczema? These little symptoms, although not seemingly significant in our day to day, may be significant if they repeat over time. Keeping a brief daily diary can help you notice the timeline of patterns of new symptoms. This can be extremely helpful for your first doctor’s visit after COVID.

Read More: 5 Herbs to Support Your Stress Response & Nervous System

During quarantine and after, continue to prioritize good sleep hygiene and regular exercise. Both of these areas may have gone askew in the past few weeks, for better or worse. Once we regain our normal routines, sleep and movement are extremely important to maintain within our schedules. Good quality sleep and daily movement contribute to positive nervous system health, stress management, healthy metabolism and weight, optimal digestion, and good mental health.

Prioritize Your Health Today

Does your family need physical or emotional support during this time? Richmond Natural Medicine is offering virtual appointments with all of our naturopathic doctors. You can request an appointment online and learn more about what to expect from a Telemedicine appointment with us. You can also take advantage of our current offers for both new and existing patients:

• $20 off return appointments
• $40 off new patient appointments

These offers are available until June 1st, 2020. Patients MUST mention the offer when scheduling or at checkout in order for the discount to be applied.

From all of us at RNM, we hope that you and your family are staying healthy and safe. If you need support, we are here to help.