With the ever-growing cases of Covid-19 in Singapore, one might be perplexed over what their next step should be if they were to test positive, or be given orders to self-isolate. With home recovery being the default in Singapore assuming you’re eligible & fully vaccinated, you might be unsure how you could be prepared for your isolation[1]. Your loved ones may not be there 24/7 for your needs. Thus, we have set aside some tips for you!
1. Pack your daily essentials
Procure a checklist of what you need to bring into your room. Here are some of the items we’d recommend:
- Clean clothes
- Personal toiletries
- Utensils
- Non-perishable food (instant noodles, drink packets, snacks)
- Any medication needed
- Cleaning supplies – antibacterial wipes, laundry detergent
- Extra face masks
- Handphone chargers, personal entertainment
2. Stay connected.
Stay connected with your friends and family
Check in with your friends. Have a video call with your loved ones so you won’t feel too lonely, even if they’re just on the other side of the door. You could even gather your friends/family members virtually to play online browser games, or simply watch movies together. Mental health is important too!
You may also want to join Facebook/Telegram groups with people going through the same situation as you [2]. Just know that you are not alone!
3. Try to create a routine
Set your alarms so you don’t sleep in too late. An uneven sleep schedule can affect your mood and you may quickly lose appetite. Create a mental timetable of what you’d want to do for the day. You don’t have to follow it strictly, but it’ll give you something to look forward to. Adopting a positive mindset can get you through the days!
4. Stay hydrated
Drink water, even if you’re not feeling thirsty. Dehydration can add on a series of complications, so be sure to keep a bottle of water with you all the time! We’d recommend a few sips of water every 15-30 minutes [3].
5. Stay active
Even with limited space available, you can do simple exercises from the comfort of your home. Staying sedentary for long periods of time can cause boredom and stress. Please make sure you have been cleared by your doctor to do light exercises. Do not attempt strenuous exercises if you are feeling unwell. If you are, seek medical attention!
Join yoga, pilates or meditation classes that are conducted online, or watch/subscribe to follow-along Youtube videos.
Also, by simply sitting and standing, you are moving! Walking around your room also helps to prevent you from becoming sedentary. There are no excuses for you to not move! To learn more about the effects of prolonged sitting, you may check out our previous article.
6. Self-care
Take time to self care and relax
Last but not least, take this time to recover and nourish your mind, body and soul. It can be anything from doing what you’ve always wanted (e.g., binge watching your favourite shows, starting a new hobby), or simply relaxing in your own presence.
We sure hope you wouldn’t need these tips, but *touch wood* in case you – or anyone you know – do, we hope these little pointers could provide a good kick-off to your “me time”.
Good luck, stay safe and take care of yourselves!
References:
1. Ministry of Health (n.d). Home Recover. [online] Available at: https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/general/faqs—border-measures-and-changes-to-stay-home-notice-requirements/faqs—leave-of-absence-(loa)-stay-home-notice-(shn)-and-quarantine-order-(qo)
2. Yeoh, G. (2021). COVID-19: Home recovery patients ‘anxious’ without clear instructions, set up Telegram group for support. Available at: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/covid-19-home-recovery-quarantine-art-self-test-kit-telegram-support-group-2191691
3. American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. (n.d) Nutrition and Hydration: Quick facts for COVID-19 Patients. [online] Available at: https://www.nutritioncare.org/uploadedFiles/Documents/Guidelines_and_Clinical_Resources/COVID19/COVID19%20Patient_Nutrition%20Quick%20Facts.pdf