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COVID-19

Healthy Living

Managing your overall health is important during these stressful times. Included in this section is information about health topics related to COVID-19. Please see our TOPICS section for a full listing of information on a variety of health topics.

Drinking too much alcohol could weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to COVID-19 and other illnesses. Check out the low risk drinking guidelines to understand how to reduce your risk.

Our eating patterns likely have changed during these stressful times. Here are some tips to help you make healthy food choices for you and your family:

Make it a habit to eat a variety of healthy foods each day.

 

Healthy eating is more than the foods you eat. It is also about where, when, why and how you eat.

Be mindful of your eating habits

Cook more often

  • Plan what to eat to limit trips to the grocery store to once per week and have only one household member do the shopping.

Enjoy your food

Eat meals with others

  • Remove toys, electronic devices and turn off TVs.

For more information about grocery shopping, preparing meals and creating routines, check out feeding your family and for general information visit Healthy Eating.

If you (or someone you know) need help accessing groceries contact 211 or visit www.211ontario.ca.

Getting your body moving may be more important now, than ever before, for physical wellness and mental well-being. Here are some activities to try:

  • Get outside to walk, bike, hike, or run 
  • Have a dance party 
  • Download a fitness app or watch a fitness video 
  • Rake the leaves or do some gardening 
  • Try yoga – check out a free app or online video 
  • Practice Tai Chi 
  • Take frequent stretch breaks when sitting for prolonged periods.

Keep in mind the everyday actions to protect yourself and others still apply when being active outdoors, such as practicing physical distancing (keeping 2 metres or 6 feet between you and another person), not gathering in groups of more than 5 people and avoiding close contact with people outside of their immediate families.

Check out the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines to find out how much physical activity is recommended based on age, how much sleep is needed and how much sitting is too much within the 24-hour day.

More information:

These are unprecedented times and there is a lot of change in our lives. In managing this situation, you may experience:

  • increased anxiety 
  • increased stress 
  • fear or worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones 
  • changes in sleeping or eating patterns 
  • difficulty sleeping or concentrating

 

The following is a list of tips to support your mental well-being.

1. Stay informed but set limits for information. Take breaks from COVID-19 information in news stories and social media. 

2. Stay connected to others. Try to stay connected with others using various methods, such as: e-mail, social media, video calls, phone calls, and text messages. 

3. Maintain healthy routines. Where possible, maintain aspects of your usual daily routine. 

  • Exercise regularly. Enjoy a walk, jog, or bike ride while maintaining a safe 2 metre (6 feet) distance from others. If you would like to exercise indoors, search for online exercises. 
  • Get plenty of sleep. Also, practice healthy sleep routines by avoiding screens before bed and cutting back on caffeine. 
  • Eat a variety of healthy foods. 
  • Limit consumption of alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, or other drugs. 
  • Practice mindfulness – try meditation, relaxation or yoga exercises. 

4. Look for ways to have fun! Make time to relax and unwind. Play a game, try a new hobby, read a book, etc.

For more information visit Support for You

Good sleep habits are important to keep children and adults healthy during these stressful times. Tips for having a healthier sleep are:

  • Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on the weekends! 
  • Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool 
  • Sleep on a comfortable mattress and pillow 
  • Expose yourself to bright light in the morning as sunlight helps your biological clock reset itself each day 
  • Exercise regularly during the day 
  • Develop a relaxing bedtime routine—ideas include bathing, music and reading
  • Keep cell phones, computers, TVs and video games out of the bedroom 
  • Avoid caffeine, which can be found in coffee, soft drinks and chocolate 
  • Don’t go to bed hungry, or eat a heavy meal right before bed

For more information, check out the Canadian 24-Hour Movement guidelines

If you currently smoke or vape and are concerned about how these might be associated with COVID-19 read our Q&A.

For information on cannabis smoking and vaping during COVID-19 refer to the- Canadian Centre for Substance Use and Addiction-COVID-19 Cannabis Smoking and Vaping

Thinking of quitting? Visit Don’t Quit Quitting or SmokersHelpline.ca for tips and online support for your quit attempt. For more information visit our Smoking and Tobacco webpage.

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