During the global pandemic, it can be difficult to maintain a sense of calm, wellness, and health. Studies show that negative symptoms such as stress and anxiety are on the rise worldwide, and that people are feeling isolated — especially in areas with in-home lockdowns. 

The good news is that there are proactive ways to take care of your health and manage your wellness — all it takes is a little forethought. Below, we’re breaking down a few basic tips for managing wellness in 2021.

Mental Health Comes First

Stress is a major factor in a number of health issues including heart disease, obesity, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. Lowering stress can feel like an impossible task, especially if you find yourself overwhelmed. This is why it’s imperative to take time out of your day to focus on mental health.

Meditation has been proven to not only lower stress, but to ward off anxiety and depression. Even 15 minutes a day can have a positive impact. Most amateur meditators find that focusing on the process can be a bit tricky once the stressors of the day are already active. So, try meditating in the morning before your day begins. 

Finding some Me-Time — whether to meditate, center yourself, or even just clear your head — can be tough, especially if you’re at home with a spouse and children. You need to be assertive and nominate a room in the house and a certain time where you can guarantee a bit of alone time. If you have an office or a garage, this can be the perfect get away space — especially for working on a hobby like writing or woodworking for 20 minutes a day. 

If you’re stuck in a smaller apartment, why not take your favorite podcast into the bathroom and enjoy an extra-long shower. Find the space and make the time for yourself to keep in good spirits. 

Make Sure You Have Healthcare Savings Set Aside

Of course, major illness or injury are always a possibility, and in order to stay on the track to wellness, it pays to have a plan to deal with unexpected expenses. Set aside a portion of your income each month as a medical savings nest egg. You’ll buy peace of mind knowing it’s there. If an expense comes up that you can’t cover, know that there are always options. 

A bank loan or line of credit can help cover costs, and if you have a lower credit score, a payday lender will allow you access to money — so you borrow when you need it and pay it back later. Just be mindful of interest rates and never borrow more than you can realistically pay back. Knowing you have the ability to cover major expenses will go a long way to keeping yourself anxiety-free.

Take Preventative Measures

Be sure to stay proactive with your health and take preventative measures — this will prepare your body to fend off illness. Focus on the following:

Sleep – Statistics show that 35% of Americans don’t get enough sleep, and according to Fortune Magazine, lack of sleep costs the US $411 Billion in lost productivity. Getting the required amount of sleep will not only keep you healthier, but it will keep you from falling behind at work!

Diet – At least 80% of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke, as well as 40% of cancer cases could be prevented if people ate better and quit smoking, according to Harvard’s School of Public Health. By committing to a plant-based diet that cuts out meat and saturated fats, you can prevent a host of illnesses, while also reducing the risk of anxiety and depression.

You may be in working from home and limited in what you can do socially. Why not take the opportunity to focus on your health and wellness? It will pay dividends in more ways than one.