Even as states have opened back up, the coronavirus pandemic is still top of mind for a lot of people, especially members of at-risk populations who may still be feeling isolated.
However, as the pandemic has certainly taken a toll on emotional and mental health, there are some ways to help promote and maintain brain health right now.
"Fortunately, there are a number of things we can do to promote our emotional and brain health at this point. With a little effort, we can even develop brain-healthy habits in the process," neuropsychologist John Randolph wrote in Psychology Today.
Randolph notes that focusing on some of the following can help promote good brain health right now:
Being physically active: Exercise engages the brain and can improve your mood. Need some inspiration for staying active at home? Here are seven things you can do around the house.
Establish a schedule: Humans are creatures of habit. Even if you're no longer going to an office, try to establish a routine to keep yourself.
“Using a schedule will provide some predictability for your day, not to mention nurture a sense of accomplishment when you’re able to cross a few things off your to-do list,” Randolph writes.
Look for ways to stay socially connected: Find ways to stay connected from a safe distance. Finding ways to remain social connections is important for all of us right now — especially for people who may be less likely to find connection to friends and family through social media.
There is also a national nonprofit that is collecting video and messages to send to senior citizens who may be feeling lonely right now. More details on how to participate in their effort can be found here.
Eat as healthy as possible: Eating healthy is about more than physical health. Randolph notes that "a balanced diet keeps the brain firing on all cylinders."
He recommends building a diet around fruits, vegetables, fish, beans and nuts.
Don't forget about sleep: A study, commissioned by Sleep Standards, found that nearly 77% of Americans have lost sleep over the coronavirus pandemic. But getting a good night of sleep is crucial to overall health.
