7 Things You Should Do During Your Quarantine

I am not going to say what you think I will say. If one more person tells me to wash my hands, I may lose my mind. We’ve all got that one right?! There are other things we need to be mindful of at this time of shelter in place, that have less to do with avoiding coronavirus and more to do with staying healthy. I worry about all the missed screening tests, all the routine healthcare appointments cancelled, and all the symptoms we will have to ignore because we cannot or do not want to go to a doctor’s office right now.

Floss. We should all be flossing every day, but never has dental hygiene been as important as it is now. With no regular cleanings, with very few dentists open at all, teeth and gum care must take priority.
Self breast exams. Yes, there are mixed messages about the utility of self breast exams, but many of us are going to have to delay our routine mammography (as well as other preventative exams,) and finding a small problem before it becomes a big problem is critical right now.
Cut down on sugar. I know we want to indulge in every craving, and snacking is a break in the boredom. Sugar will not only pile on the pounds, it wreaks havoc on your immune system. There are things other than the coronavirus which can make us sick right now. Support your body best you can.
Get fresh air. When I open the door now, it almost feels as if I am doing something wrong, breaking some kind of law. I’m not. You are allowed to and should get outside every day. Larry and I took a walk in the rain yesterday, and my mood instantly improved.
Smile and speak to people you encounter. Keep your physical distance of course, but bridge the emotional one. This generic distrust of other people is toxic. Know the facts, and connect with people.
Hug. If the people you live with are healthy, keep up the human contact. We are not a species that does well in isolation, and there is power in touch. Hug often, and for at least 20 seconds, to get the full boost of happy neurotransmitters. Sex also provides a great emotional boost. Plus, it kills some time.
Stay safe. The picture below is of me riding on Serena’s shoulders the other night. Can’t blame the alcohol. This was just stupid. Minimize your risk for injury because on top of not needing a sprained ankle right now, we want to avoid the ER best we can.