How to ace the act of quarantining
Quarantining
[kwar-uhn-teen-iin] verb
The act of knowing better since the first quarantine and supplying yourself with essentials and goodies.
Many countries have reintroduced restrictions with a second lockdown to limit the expansion of the coronavirus. Prime Ministers are warning citizens that there is a need ‘to tighten the bolts further’ by staying home, limiting gatherings, and closing down educational institutions[1]. However, quarantining for the second time should not be perceived negatively, now that we know better. We will get through this together. Allow this ‘quarantine essentials guide’ to accompany you and provide little tips and tricks to get through upcoming lockdown(s).
- Consuming good nutrients
If I had to guess what your lockdown staple has been, you probably would have incorporated a heavy load of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in your diet, with a stuffed mouth of whipped cream. Additionally, you probably also indulged in spray cheese. I mean sure, but why? Canned beans have also been on the menu, but is this how far your imagination can go?
Although limited access to fresh produce can lead to a high consumption of processed food, you can still eat healthy and feel satiated. There are so many options to choose from and now that you are in your home it is time for your creativity to bloom.
What are the “best food buys”?
A good choice is to eat fresh fruits and vegetables that are full of nutrients and vitamins. Letting you in on a secret, frozen fruits and vegetables are packed with the same amount of nutrients and can last longer[2]! Furthermore, you can also consider protein intake from fresh chickpeas, lentils and other pulses instead of a meat-only diet. Healthy fats can be acquired from avocados and salmon. Reduce sugar intake and try to drink two litres of water per day. Water is very important because it keeps you hydrated aiding in detoxification. For the satisfaction of your sweet tooth, you should totally try no-bake peanut butter treats, apple cinnamon oatmeal and celery with nut butter and cranberries.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also published some recipes which you may be eager to try. Quarantine is all about discovering new talents, so do not be afraid to discover your inner chef! A chickpea and mushroom patty sounds delicious for the burger lovers in search of a healthier option.
It has become easier for us to experiment given the different options, especially cooking videos on YouTube. Some channels you might be eager to visit are ‘Bon appétit’, ‘Tasty’ and ‘Food Network’. Their videos will certainly add immense value to your food palate.
- Take care of your mental & physical health.
Taking care of your mental health is as significant as taking care of your body. Just because you are quarantined does not mean that these two should be left behind. A study published by the WHO, in honour of World Health Mental Day (10 October), suggested that the pandemic has influenced the psyche of individuals leading to negative repercussions to their health[3]. Everyone copes differently under stressful situations. Some are impacted more than others.
Remember, your health should be your priority. Just take a deep breath and exhale. Ensure you regularly communicate with close ones to voice your concerns. Also, do not forget that in case you need expert advice there are different hotlines you can reach such as the Ministry of Health and Prevention through 800-1111 and Dubai Health Authority by dialling 800-342. You can also find help virtually by visiting the government site of the Ministry of Health and Prevention. All Middlesex University Dubai attendees also have access to in-house counsellors who can be reached via the Centre for Academic Success at cas@mdx.ac.ae.
Staying active during quarantine can serve as a powerful coping mechanism for stress while retaining your physical activity. It is good to take regular breaks in between online classes. It is okay not to work out for a few days when the going gets tough. However, keep in mind that a healthy lifestyle encompassing some level of activity and a good nutrient-rich diet is optimal for living a good life. There are a handful of trainers on YouTube which can be a great replacement to having a personal trainer, especially during quarantine. Some channels that emerged during quarantine are ‘Chloe Ting’, ‘Rachel Gulotta Fitness’ and ‘Pamela Reif’.
- Skin care
At the outset, it’s important to note that skincare is equally important for men and women. It is crucial to take care of your skin and be mindful of the products you use. Skipping skin care is like avoiding visiting the doctor for an important health issue. It is especially important now because of irregular exposure to the sun. Your daily routine matters more now, not only because you have more time, but also since you cannot visit salons. You are in charge of experimenting with different products and finding the right ones for your skin type.
Here are some suggestions to switch up your skin care routine: a DIY brightening face mask with lemon juice and turmeric which is a ‘secret beauty weapon’ for glowing skin[4]. Another tip is a hair mask made from avocado, egg and olive oil for damaged hair. Avocado is already good on toast, imagine how good it will be on your hair[5]. Give your nails a bit of a break with all the acrylics. Apply coconut oil to moisturise and treat your damaged cuticles[6]. For soft lips, create a lip scrub using brown sugar, cinnamon and olive oil[7].
- Maintain communication
Amidst the social distancing, it is natural that you won’t have the same amount of contact with relatives and friends as you did before. However, it is important to keep in touch with them and maintain social interaction especially during extended periods of isolation. Doing this will help support and uplift everybody’s mood and spirits.
“It’s a time where my friends and I are putting aside everything else and choosing to socially communicate with each other … Now that we can’t go anywhere, I’m super comfortable with it”, states Tara Nurin, an award-winning freelance journalist.
Don’t be scared to send a text to an old friend. Let them know how you have been holding up and check up on them. Video calls are also accessible, more interactive and make the exchange more natural.
“Even if you neglected to keep in touch with someone over the years, it’s almost certain that people will speak with you now if you pick up the phone and call. And since we are having more meaningful, deeper conversations, we feel more connected to the person we are speaking to”, says Ami Rokach, a psychologist and expert in loneliness[8].
- Create a schedule
It’s very lucrative for us to stay in bed all day and watch Netflix. However, now more than ever, you must be productive and maintain a daily routine as you would have under normal circumstances. Having an agenda to write down your every day schedule keeps you neatly organised and also helps in realizing your goals for the upcoming months.
For the technology lovers, if writing your to do list is not your forte, there are numerous online platforms you can use to make your own schedule using different colours and textures like ‘Trello’, ‘KeepandShare’ and ‘Google Calendar’.
A good friend once told me, “Don’t overwhelm yourself. Just because you are quarantined does not mean you have to do 100 things per day to feel productive. Set priorities and value your mental health.”
[1] https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/1270046/lrt-english-newsletter-second-wave-second-quarantine
[2] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fresh-vs-frozen-fruit-and-vegetables#:~:text=Generally%20speaking%2C%20freezing%20helps%20retain,nutrients%20occurs%20at%20this%20time
[3] https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(20)30797-0/fulltext
[4] https://helloglow.co/simple-beauty-get-glowing-skin-with-turmeric/
[5] https://www.healthline.com/health/avocado-hair-mask
[6] https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-use-coconut-oil-for-nails-4686912
[7] https://helloglow.co/homemade-lip-balm-scrub-lip-plumping-cinnamon/
[8] https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200408-coronavirus-how-lockdown-helps-those-who-fear-the-phone
