Self-care Tips During Coronavirus Pandemic from Chicago’s Herb + Ōhm

Maintaining a Healthy Body and Mind During COVID-19

In an era of physical distancing, it’s more important than ever to cultivate connection, support, and love. One thing we’ve found especially helpful in this new way of life is the power of building a Personal Wellness Toolkit, including behaviors, resources, and activities that enable you to take the best care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally during this very unique time.

Below, we’ve curated some of the ways we’ve been investing in self-care at Herb + Ōhm in Chicago’s Loop. We’ve been pleasantly surprised (and so grateful) to have reconnected with the simple joy of an outdoor walk or an amateur baking experiment gone awry. (Kudos to the bakers in the Great British Baking Show. Bread is not easy.) We hope you enjoy these!

Top 10 must-have Items in Your COVID-19 Wellness Toolkit

Sleep. Sleep can be as important as nutrition and exercise when it comes to maintaining optimal health. Getting enough quality sleep improves energy, mood, and cognitive function. (Naps count too, so give yourself a “power nap” break during the day as needed).

Nutrition. Fueling the body with whole, nutritious foods strengthens the immune system and boosts energy and mood. Now is the time to visit NY Times Cooking and try a new recipe.

Meditation. Mindfulness can be a saving grace in times of stress. It teaches us to change our relationship with anxiety and find power in the present moment.

Books. There is something special about discovering and connecting with a great story through the physical pages of a book. Disconnecting from technology (in all ways) can have a lasting positive effect on mood, mindset, and our ability to focus.

Gratitude. Starting the day with a short list (even a single item) of things to be thankful for automatically starts the day on a positive note. Rather than reaching for the phone and checking emails or news from the previous evening, grab a pen and paper instead. The results may surprise you!

Screen Time. Not all screen time is bad for you. Sometimes, the mind just needs a break (Tiger Kings, anyone?) The key is creating boundaries and variety. Sprinkle in regular video chats with friends and family to balance out the streaming content you consume.

Positive News. If you check news daily, try to limit the intake to 1-2 times each day, and be sure to balance the sources away from only mainstream media. There are numerous positive news outlets and Instagram accounts to follow. Some of our favorites: @goodnews_movement, @infobeautiful, @thehappynewspaper, and @upworthy.

Exercise. Practically every gym or trainer is offering free video workouts to try! Even if moving is not your go-to source of stress relief normally, it’s important to stay active to maintain a healthy immune system and reduce stress.

Fresh Air. It’s Springtime in Chicago, and with winter’s freezing temperatures behind us, there is no excuse to stay inside all day. You can maintain a physical distance and still enjoy all this beautiful city has to offer. Take a walk or a drive, and reconnect with nature!

New Hobbies. More time at home can lead to boredom, so now is a great time to explore new hobbies. Whether that’s puzzles, music, language, baking, or any other new activity, give yourself the freedom to explore and get creative.

Any items we’re missing? Follow us on Instagram or Facebook, and let us know what you think!