Healthy Lifestyle Tips and Resources During Social Distancing
By Dr Maria Cecilia Mosquera
Clinical Associate Professor of Lifestyle Medicine
University Primary Care Centre, UNIC Medical School
Dear UNIC Family,
These are challenging times. You may be feeling uncertainty about the future, your health and the health of your loved ones. And, in these times of social isolation, some people may consider substance use, such as smoking and drinking alcohol, as a form of “escape.” But, the feelings of “escape” using these substances is only temporary. Many people will need to “use more and more of these substances and risk becoming dependent on them – which in itself creates new problems (NHS NWBH),” due to drug addiction. These risky substances also increase your likelihood of severe diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.
#6. Avoiding Risky Substances
BUT, there are some things you can do to cope, instead of turning to risky substances. Acknowledge your needs and feelings; then use healthy ways to cope with stress:
- When you feel the urge to use a risky substance, choose to do something positive instead, such as exercise, which can actually help your health and mental wellbeing.
- Use the Arts, such as music and dance (see more at UNIC’s Stress Reduction Tips).
- Get adequate sleep, which can keep you in the right mind frame to make healthier choices.
- Use calming breathing exercises, meditation, or mindfulness.
- Nourish your body. Cooking healthy recipes could help both your mental and physical wellbeing.
If you are currently smoking, this is an opportunity for you to quit
Smoking damages your lungs and can lead to pneumonia and other complications, which could place you at risk for lung infections like those caused by Coronavirus (COVID-19) . Setting “SMART” goals around substance use (tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs) is a good way to start making changes.
And, you can use the following 6 steps from smokefree.gov to make a successful “Quit Plan:”
- Mark Your Calendar: Choose the date you want to quit.
- Calculate Your Savings: See how much money you’ll save by quitting smoking.
- Think About Your Reasons for Quitting: Knowing your reasons can help keep you motivated.
- Know Your Triggers: Think about what makes you more likely to smoke and plan so you can overcome it.
- Fight Your Cravings: Know what to do to make it easier to fight the craving to smoke.
- Set Yourself Up for Success: Use these strategies to help yourself succeed!
There are more virtual tools to help you succeed with quitting smoking, alcohol misuse and other drug use:
- NHS Smokefree website
- Smokefree Apps – QuitGuide and quitSTART and SmokeFree
- Alcohol Self-Assessment Test: quick test about your relationship with alcohol
- Smart Recovery – addiction support, including an online community
You can succeed in focusing on your mental and physical wellbeing.
