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MENTAL HEALTH & COVID-19

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As news about the COVID-19 outbreak continues to dominate almost every aspect of our lives, it is essential that we pay attention to our mental health just as we do our physical health.

There are many reasons that people may be feeling stressed and anxious whether it be due to loss of a loved one, fear of getting sick, loss of income/fear of loss of job, social distance and self-isolation, or a combination of all of these. The COVID-19 pandemic is a stressful situation, especially for those who are already living with a behavioral health issues. Below are some tips to help cope with stress and anxiety during these challenging times.

Limit news consumption and social media intake

24-hour news and constant social media updates can induce stress, anxiety, and feelings of worry. Try to limit yourself to 10 minutes a day to stay informed, and try to check only reliable resources, like the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and your local/state government websites.

Create and follow a daily routine

Sticking to a routine can help bring a sense of normalcy back into your life. Try waking up and going to bed at the same time every day, having regularly scheduled meals, getting dressed for the day, and stick to your regular working hours if possible. Also try adding something new into your routine, like a daily workout or calling a friend.

Stay virtually connected with others

Video calls with friends and family can help beat isolation. Set up a scheduled time to have a virtual coffee or lunch date with a friend, start a book club and discuss weekly over video calls, call a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while and reconnect. There are many ways to stay connected to your loved ones even when you can’t see them physically.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink plenty of water, exercise at least 30 minutes a day, and take a walk outside. It is mood-boosting to be in nature and get some sunshine, but please remember to try and keep at least 6 feet apart when enjoying the spring weather.

Communicate feelings of stress, anxiety, and worry

This is a difficult time for everyone and sharing how you are feeling with family and friends may help you and them cope by talking about fears, worries, etc. and the ways you are trying to deal with your emotions. If you have children, be sure to communicate with them as well. Be as open and honest as possible in an age-appropriate way and give them the space to process feelings, especially if they have fears or anxiety.

 

Meditation and Yoga can help keep your stress levels down. Here are some resources if you are new and looking for a place to start:

Everyday Tips to Relieve Constipation

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There comes a point where almost everyone goes through it – constipation. A period of infrequent bowel movements or hard stools.   Constipation can be a very uncomfortable state, especially the longer it lasts. Though not severe, if not taken care of, constipation can cause damage to the veins and skin in your anus, in addition to significant damage to intestines.  Chronic constipation is also a risk factor for colorectal cancer.

Per the Mayo Clinic, there are a few risk factors that may increase your risk of constipation:

  • Older age
  • Women
  • Dehydration
  • Low fiber diet
  • Little to no physical activity
  • Blood pressure medications/treatments
  • Mental health conditions

Luckily our R-Health doctor, Julia Snyder, MD, offers tools to prevent and relieve constipation.

  • Eat a whole foods, high-fiber diet
    • Eat foods in their unprocessed forms without additives (i.e. sugar, salt, flavorings or preservatives)
    • Consider a trial of dairy and gluten free (two food groups that are likely to cause constipation for people)
  • Try adding 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds to your daily diet for extra fiber
    • Grind the flax yourself every 2 days for an extra healthy fat boost
  • Eat more good fats and try coconut oil
    • g. – wild fatty fish like sardines and salmon, avocados, and olive oil (which lubricates the digestive system)
  • Supplement with magnesium, vitamin C and probiotics
    • Use 200 mg to 1,000 mg of magnesium citrate daily. Gradually increase the dose until you go once or twice a day. If you take too much, you will get loose stools. If that happens, back off a bit.
    • Vitamin C – you can take 2,000 to 4,000 mg in divided doses two or three a day, along with magnesium supplementation. The same principle applies here: If you begin to get loose stools, just back off a bit.
    • Many people who struggle with constipation are often deficient in healthy gut bacteria, so adding probiotics can help – try adding them for one month. The increased fiber in your diet will give them food to eat and they will be happy to stay.  Also add fermented foods/drinks to your diet.  (Fermented vegetables are found in the refrigerated section)
  • Drink about half your weight in ounces of water each day (add more for hot weather or exercise)
    • Try starting off your day with water and lemon (room temperature to warm)
    • Cold drinks slow down the bowels.
    • Try coffee or tea with an apple and walnuts/pecans/almonds for breakfast
  • Exercise regularly
    • Get up and move – just 10-15 minutes of walking a few times a day will make a big difference
    • Try Yoga – the combination of relaxation and movement aids in triggering the bowels to release
  • Give yourself time to go and listen to mother nature’s call!
    • Schedule time in to your morning – just like potty training your little ones!
  • Position yourself correctly
    • Put your feet up on a stool to mimic a squatting position. This allows the muscles to relax and the stool to exit more easily.

 

 

Following these suggestions are sure aids in constipation prevention and management. However, if you have questions, or have frequent constipation, notice blood in your stool, and have severe pain in your bowel and/or experiencing weight loss, be sure to reach out to your R-Health doctor for assistance.

Sweets: Naughty or Nice?

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The holidays are full of special things, decorations, songs, events, parties and gifts.  There are also sweet treats all around.  Holiday treats can be bittersweet – both literally and figuratively.

Whether the holidays serve as a relaxing time or a stress filled environment, finding too much comfort in these treats can be damaging to your health.

Next time the tray of cookies is in front of you, try to make mindful decisions.  Think about if this cookie is truly special, or is it just there in front of you.  Is it the cookie that will bring me joy, or is it that I am surrounded by my family and friends?  Or am I reaching for this cookie because I am stressed, what else could I do to handle my stress?  If you decide to eat the cookie, great, don’t have regrets!  Take time to chew, and savor, and truly enjoy it.  You will feel more satisfied and less likely to mindlessly reach for another.

What if there were healthier options available?  You could be a part of making that available for your family and friends.

There are many options to create healthier alternatives to traditional holiday sweet treats and gifts. You can show your love and keep loved ones healthy!  For example, create your own trail mix, make dark chocolate bark with fruit and nuts, make your own spice rubs or soup kits in mason jars.  Our very own Dr. Julia Snyder even suggested a healthy treat, Almond Grabbers, and their recipe can be found here.

For more healthy holiday treat and gift ideas, check out EatingWell. For all other tips and tricks as to what you should avoid for the holidays, reach out to your R-Health doctor who’s always available for you, even during the holiday season.

Do you have ideas of your own healthy holiday treats?  We’d love to hear. Share them with us on Facebook.