To prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are recommended to stay at home, practice good personal hygiene, follow social distancing, and other safety measures. While social isolation and home quarantine can prevent you from contracting the virus, they may impact your physical, mental, and emotional health.
Quarantine life makes people feel that they are separated from the rest of the world, have no control over the situation, and unable to do their routine activities. Gyms are closed, employees are being asked to work from home, and social events are postponed or canceled all together. Being confined to your home can be difficult and make you feel lonely, sad, anxious, and stressed.
To offset these feelings, keep yourself engaged in physical activities and make time for other things that you enjoy. This approach will help you protect your physical and mental health during a quarantine situation. The Department of Health and Human Services issued the Federal Government's physical activity guidelines for Americans, which you can follow to stay active while coping with the current environment.
Being in quarantine and feeling socially isolated can lead to many psychological health consequences, including:
Also,
A study conducted in 2019 by Kassandra Alcaraz, Ph.D., MPH, a public health researcher with the American Cancer Society, reveals that social isolation can increase the risk of premature death.
A study conducted in 2016 by Newcastle University epidemiologist Nicole Valtorta, reveals that loneliness can increase the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke by 30%.
In 2018, the researchers at the Florida State University College of Medicine found that loneliness can increase the risk of dementia by 40%.
A study conducted in 2015 by Steven Cole, MD, a professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, reveals that loneliness can impact the immune system. The study also reveals that people who feel lonely are likely to have less immunity and more inflammation.
Staying at home and in quarantine can impact your physical and mental health, causing mood swings, stress, fatigue, unhealthy habits, and restlessness. The providers at Family Care Centers Medical Group offer tips to stay active, engaged, and inspired during this situation.
Physical activity is important for your mind and body, which helps to lower blood pressure, manage weight, recover faster from illness, and strengthen muscles and bones. If gyms are closed, you can do workouts in your backyard.
Exercising in your backyard will help you get the fresh air, sun, and outdoor exposure necessary for your immune system to function properly. You can do simple workouts, including strength training, running, jogging, cardiovascular exercise, and other less intense exercises that do not require any equipment.
You can also follow online websites and use mobile apps that offer free quarantine workout ideas. Exercises can relax your mind, refresh your mood, and help you stay active and inspired during a quarantine.
Taking short breaks within your work schedule is important for your emotional and physical health. Sitting for a long period or working continuously can lead to heart disease, depression, stress, diabetes, obesity, and fatigue.
Even a 10-minute break can refresh your mind, increase your productivity, restore energy, improve mental health, and help you become active. During the break, you can do simple stretches, meditate, prepare lunch, or play with your kids.
If possible, go for a short walk outside and get some fresh air and sunlight to lower your stress and refresh your mind.
Yoga is an excellent way to stay active and improve your overall physical, mental, and emotional health.
Yoga can help strengthen and stretch your muscles, create a balance between your mind and body, and boost weight loss. Especially during these trying times, activities like yoga can help you calm your mind and release any emotional or mental stress.
Practicing yoga 15 to 20 minutes a day can help you stay active and inspired during a quarantine.
You need to maintain a routine that includes healthy and timely eating and consistent sleeping habits. An unhealthy diet and inconsistent sleep can lead to health conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, high blood pressure, lack of concentration, and impairment in immunity.
Include healthy foods in your diet, which can strengthen your immune system and help you stay well. Sleeping for at least 8 hours will keep your brain and body functioning well.
Do not work or watch movies too close to bedtime, this may lead to a lack of sleep.
Staying indoors and in quarantine does not mean that you are separated from the rest of the world. You can stay connected with your friends and family on video or audio calls.
You can play with your kids, watch movies, do puzzles, or engage in a hobby like painting or reading. These activities will help ease your pressure while helping you stay active and motivated.
If you want to get more tips on how to stay active during a quarantine or schedule an appointment for any of your urgent and primary health conditions, contact us at one of our clinic near you. You can also receive medical assistance from the safety of your home by connecting with our providers via telehealth video visits.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
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