7 Tips to Stay Healthy During Self-isolation
The current global health crisis has resulted in increased stress and significant lifestyle changes for many. Individuals following self-isolation may be looking for guidance on how to take care of themselves and what they can do to pass the time at home. Learn about self-isolation and what you can do to take care of yourself during this time.
What is self-isolation?
Self-isolation is defined as separating oneself from others. (23) In response to the current health crisis, some governments and organizations are implementing self-isolation guidelines as a preventative measure. Current advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are recommending individuals stay home for 14 days after traveling to an area with widespread or ongoing presence of the disease. Individuals should work or study from their homes, monitor for symptoms, and practice social distancing during that time. (6)
Recently, in response to the current health crisis, the term self-isolation has been commonly used, along with several related concepts, such as self-monitoring, quarantine, and social distancing. While we provide explanations of each concept below, we urge you to seek out the current advisories from your local public health authority as the situation evolves.
What is self-monitoring?
Self-monitoring involves observing oneself for symptoms of illness. In the case of the current health crisis, public authorities are advising certain individuals to monitor themselves for respiratory symptoms, which include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Self-monitoring may be advised for individuals who are not currently demonstrating symptoms but who may have been exposed to the disease and/or are in close contact with at-risk individuals. (19)
Based on clinical guidelines from various health organizations, such as the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO), the Human Diagnosis Project offers a self-assessment tool to help individuals who are concerned about symptoms determine when to visit a healthcare provider and/or get tested.
What is quarantine?
Quarantine is typically defined as enforced isolation that restrains the movement or activities of individuals to prevent the spread of a disease. (21) The CDC is currently advising individuals with certain symptoms, including coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing, to avoid contact with other individuals, seek medical attention, and call their physician’s office or emergency room to notify them in advance of a visit. (6) Additionally, individuals who are ill should maintain distance from other individuals in their household, using a separate “sick room” and bathroom, if possible. (7) Similarly, Health Canada (HC) is requiring that individuals who are suspected or confirmed to have the virus isolate themselves, even if their symptoms are mild. (19)
What is social distancing?
Social distancing can be defined as avoiding close interactions with other individuals during a contagious disease outbreak. The purpose of social distancing is to minimize the transmission of pathogens. (24) Recommendations for social distancing differ from source to source, but typically range from maintaining a minimum of three feet (one meter) (28) to six feet (two meters). (6)(20)
Social distancing may include:
- Avoiding using handshakes as a greeting
- Avoiding unnecessary gatherings and crowded locations
- Reducing contact with individuals at high-risk (e.g., those with compromised health status, older adults) (19)
Negative impacts of self-isolation
Research suggests that there are various negative effects of social isolation and loneliness, including:
- Impaired daily activity and functioning, particularly in older adults
- Increased risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and depression
- Reduced adherence to medical treatment and medication
- Worsened physiological state (e.g., increased blood pressure and inflammation, decreased immune function) (13)
Limited social connection has been associated with increased risk of premature mortality, and has been suggested to be more detrimental than other risk factors, such as physical inactivity, pollution, and obesity. On the other hand, social connection may reduce the risk of premature mortality. (13)
Certain individuals may be at a greater risk of feeling lonely, or have a greater response to stress during this crisis, including those who are:
- Children or teenagers
- Coping with mental illness (e.g., substance use)
- Elderly or managing chronic illnesses
- Healthcare practitioners or first responders (5)
- In strained relationships
- Lacking social groups and friendships
- Living alone
- Physically impaired (e.g., hearing loss, mobility issues)
- Retired
- Single (13)
Staying healthy during self-isolation
Preparing for self-isolation involves creating a plan for your household, including considerations for remote work from home, event cancellations, childcare, and communication with friends, family, and others. Preparations may include stocking up on essentials, including groceries, personal hygiene products, and a two-week supply of required medications, if possible. (4)
During self-isolation, following regular self-care practices can help manage stress, support your immune system, and improve well-being. Consult with your integrative healthcare practitioner for individual self-care recommendations during self-isolation.
The self-care tips incorporate several pillars of health, namely sleep, physical activity, stress management, and healthy diet, as well as how to pass the time during self-isolation.
Get adequate sleep
Sleep health may be affected by stress and conditions including anxiety and depression. (22) Sleep and mental health are closely connected; loss of sleep or insomnia is associated with negative outcomes, such as impaired mood and cognitive function. (15) Chronic sleep loss has also been associated with impaired immune function and increased inflammation. (2) The CDC recommends that adults sleep for a minimum of seven hours per night. (3)
Exercise regularly
Business closures during the health crisis, including gyms, yoga studios, and fitness centers, may compromise your existing exercise routine. Maintaining physical activity is essential, as research has demonstrated the health benefits of exercise include improved blood sugar control, increased concentration, lowered risk of cancer, and improved cardiovascular health (16) and immune function. (1)(17) Research also suggests that you can exercise to reduce stress. Exercising at least once per week is associated with lower heart rate at rest and may protect against the emotional outcomes of acute stress. (8)
Stay connected to others
Staying connected to others while in self-isolation can be more challenging, but it’s certainly doable. Consider using online video calling tools to stay in touch, such as Skype, WhatsApp, Facetime, Zoom, and Google Duo.
Online communities and events are becoming more popular as a result of the necessary self-isolation. For example, online groups and clubs come together for activities ranging from video games (25) to bird watching. (27) Events such as virtual cocktail hours (11) and concerts (18) are available to join or view as a live-stream.
Focus on a hobby or self-improvement
With the additional time at home, you can make time for activities in which you find fulfillment. Spend time developing existing skills, or exploring new ones, such as learning a new language or playing an instrument.
Manage stress effectively
Chronic (ongoing) stress has been shown to negatively affect health by increasing cardiovascular disease risk factors and the risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack). (10) Effects of stress on the immune system include increasing susceptibility to cancer and certain infections, as well as suppressing immune function. (9)
Recognize that self-isolation may increase your stress levels, and you may have concerns and worry about your health or the health of your loved ones during the health crisis. The CDC suggests that taking action by caring for yourself and others may help manage stress.
Consume a nutritious diet
The metabolic changes that occur when exposed to chronic stress may increase nutrient needs in the body. Nutrients that may reduce stress include magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin A, B vitamins, and vitamin C. (12) For optimal health, include a variety of whole foods in your diet, especially vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, legumes, healthy fats, and small portions of fish and other good-quality animal proteins.
Hydration is also essential to maintaining health and reducing disease risk. According to the Institute of Medicine, women should consume 91 ounces (2.7 liters) and men should consume 125 ounces (3.7 liters) of water daily from food, beverages, and drinking water. (14)
Consider supplementation
With the additional time at home, you can make time for activities in which you find fulfillment. Spend time developing existing skills, or exploring new ones, such as learning a new language or playing an instrument.
The bottom line
Self-isolation may result in increased loneliness and adverse mental and physical health outcomes. Fortunately, lifestyle approaches can be used to maintain your well-being and pass the time. Take care of yourself during self-isolation by following our tips for self-care.
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