Look after yourself
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Help others during COVID-19 by looking after your physical health well.
Since January 2020, people have been devoted to fighting against the coronavirus. While becoming at one with the couch might offer some instant gratification, in the long-term, individuals should look after their own physical and mental health to help lessen the burden of others during COVID-19.
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The Argument
Loneliness might cause physical issues. Researchers have also identified links between loneliness and some physical conditions, such as heart disease and breast cancer. For ideas on keeping physically fit while in isolation, check out our map on it.[1]
Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Brigham Young University, said lack of social connection heightens health risks as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day or having alcohol use disorder. She’s also found that loneliness and social isolation are twice as harmful to physical health as obesity
While it's much harder to get exercise while in isolation, it is worth trying to do so anyway you can. Not only will it help your physical health, but will release endorphins. Simple home workout exercises include the plank, farmer carry, step-ups, free weights, skipping, etc. So do yourself a favor: take that 20 minutes, close down the alarming news, step away from social media, and try and raise some endorphins.
Counter arguments
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, looking after one's own physical health is not enough. Instead, many people are now taking care of loved ones who have become sick.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home, though people at higher risk for severe illness — including older adults and those of any age with serious underlying medical conditions — should call a health care provider as soon as symptoms start. People have the responsibility of not only saving themselves, but also these highly vulnerable others.
CDC offers tips on helping people safely care for someone else who is sick with COVID-19. If somebody is at higher risk for severe illness, see if it’s possible for someone else to be the caregiver. More specifically, people should know the symptoms of getting infected, help cover the basic needs of the patient, and be able to seek help, etc.[2]