As of today, the Think Dirty team is officially working from home for the next couple of weeks. We know we’re far from being the only ones adjusting to our lives indoors. While we navigate our new setups and routines and wait for things to get more under control, we wanted to share some of our favorite ways to A) keep your immune system happy and strong during this stressful time, and B) stave off boredom while stuck at home for days on end… especially if you’re like us and already used this weekend to blow through your entire Netflix watchlist.
Sleep
Get lots of sleep and stick to a healthy sleep routine! This recommendation is even easier to follow now that your morning can be limited to rolling out of bed and sitting in front of your computer in your pajamas. Numerous studies have highlighted the links between proper immune functioning and healthy amounts of sleep — sleep at nighttime specifically. Studies show that sleep is the critical time when your body releases the proteins that help to mediate your immune system and aid in fighting off infections and illness. So take advantage of your extra free hours and head to bed.
Exercise!
You don’t need an at-home gym or any fancy equipment. Many scientific studies support the hypothesis that exercise can help your immune health long term. The consensus among scientists and health experts is that keeping an active lifestyle and exercising regularly helps to boost immune system functioning over time. Workout website Fitness Blender allows you to selectively filter for certain equipment if you have things like weights or resistance bands at home, or you can select videos with no equipment at all.
Scientists report that overexertion and intense, prolonged exercise may have the opposite effect, so don’t attempt to become the next Serena Williams during self-isolation. Nothing too crazy, just try to get your heart rate up every day or so. Studies also link lower-intensity exercise with improved mood!
Try to keep your body happy with fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. I know it’s not what you want to hear, don’t shoot the messenger!
And of course, drink lots of water.
Here’s a list of activities to refer back to if (when) the cabin fever starts to hit. It is important to avoid vegging out in front of the TV all day, as tempting as it may be!
- Cook an elaborate meal (or a regular meal), even if it’s just for one!
- Read the books that have been sitting on your bookshelf unopened since you bought them.
- Call your friends and family! Check-in on them. We’re lucky to have inventions like FaceTime and Skype right now.
- Dance party with your pets to a quarantine playlist.
- Learn a new skill on our nation’s most reputable institution: Youtube University. Contouring, calligraphy, meditation, you can pretty much learn anything on the internet these days.
- Do your taxes.
- Make a quarantini! Mix bourbon, fresh orange juice, and turmeric.
Remember there’s only so much that you can do! As long as you’re taking care of yourself and checking in on your mental health, you’re doing great.
Keep your head up! We will get through this, apart but together
Love,
Think Dirty
Think Dirty’s Favorite Tips for Battling Boredom and Keeping a Strong Immune System was originally published in Think Dirty on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.