Healthy living during the pandemic
Alyssa Waller, Staff Writer
COVID-19 has had a big impact on people’s health, whether it be physical, mental or even spiritual.
North Greenville University is no exception. Both Sara Black, personal counselor with NGU Counseling Services and Jeff Briggs, professor of sports management, have similar suggestions regarding how to stay healthy during the pandemic.
Their suggestions include being intentional when it comes to self-care.
Students can practice self-care by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet as much as possible, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, staying rooted in the Word and being aware of boundaries in their personal and professional lives.
When it comes to exercise, there is a wide variety of things a person can do that does not require a gym. Briggs suggests that students unplug and exercise multiple days a week.
He suggests walking, running, hiking or canoeing as a few options. Individuals can also get dumbbells or some other type of heavy object. He notes that humans are not meant to be stationary; they are created to be active.
If an individual desires to spend time with others, a group can go on a hiking trip or do various other activities at a safe social distance. If an individual wants a structured program, such as weight loss or for cardiovascular system improvement, there are programs out there that will be beneficial.
In addition to being active, students should do their best to maintain a healthy diet.
According to Aramark, their eat well selections are wholesome, great-tasting ingredients and good nutrition. A balanced diet should include meat, fruit and vegetables.
According to MyPlate, an individual should consume approximately 2,400 calories a day, adding additional calories to compensate for exercise. Students can get a plan using MyPlate here.
In addition to being active and maintaining a healthy diet, an individual’s spiritual health is important.
To many evangelical Christians, a relationship with God is a priority. It is also important for the evangelical Christian to spend time with God in prayer as well as the Word.
Spending time in prayer could be different for each believer. For example, one who has a prayer closet can use that, or you can be elsewhere, including nature. One could also spend time in prayer while he or she is exercising or preparing healthy meals.
In addition to previous points, mental health is another aspect that is important for overall wellbeing.
God can calm an individual’s anxieties as well as fears. An individual should take good care of themselves as it does play a part in mental health.
Taking a break from electronics is equally as important when it comes to physical and mental health. The impact of COVID has taken a toll on a lot of people because the pandemic has caused people to isolate themselves from others.
Lastly, it is important to keep up with hand-washing and wearing a mask when required. Make sure those around you are also safe and protected. Individuals should do their best to be aware of their own personal hygiene and to demonstrate overall health to their loved ones.
