Five Ways To Do A Health Check-In for Post-Pandemic Life

Over the past year, we’ve all had our guard up in terms of healthcare. A tickle of the throat had us racing to google for a COVID-19 symptom check, and indoor wellness was ramped up as we figured out how to turn living rooms into cardio gyms.

Still, for all of this additional care, many of us may have neglected some important health considerations. Physicals and dentists appointments were cancelled out of concern for social distancing, and many individuals saw their mental healthcare suffer as they lost regular access to their support networks.

So, as we enter a time where life is beginning to return to normal, there’s no better time to check in on our current health practices and move on from the pandemic better than we were before. Therefore, here are five great health check-ins to get you back into the swing of things as we look towards the future.

Get That Vaccine

For starters, returning to doctor’s offices, gyms and more will be much safer once we are all safely vaccinated against the COVID-19 pandemic. With many states moving towards fully open eligibility to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, many individuals can get their vaccine appointment on the calendar as soon as possible. Check out the CDC’S guidelines for vaccination here.

Reschedule that Physical

A 2021 report shows that 34% of individuals who put off care due to the pandemic have not yet followed up on rescheduling their care. Whether these are medical procedures or simple check-ups, it’s so important that individuals take care of their bodies and now that many people within medical centers are vaccinated, individuals have far less to be hesitant about in terms of rescheduling their appointments. So, if you feel safe, go ahead, mask up, and get to your appointment!

Review Your Diet

Kitchen fatigue is so real. Over the course of the pandemic, many of us have grown tired of making the exact same meals morning, noon, and night as we don’t have the option to head out for regular restaurant dining. And while many places have healthy to-go options, so many individuals have fallen into the easy and unhealthy trap of keeping the local pizza shop on speed dial. While there’s no problem in giving your body what it wants, think about the fuel you need to be healthy as we get back into the swing of things and figure out ways to cook or buy nutritious food you’ve been neglecting.

Do a Mental Health Check-In

How are you doing? Really? Over the course of the pandemic, many of us have become accustomed to prolonged feelings of stress or anxiety or have had to reconsider how our mood is affected by prolonged periods of loneliness. While it’s totally okay to not be “okay,” it’s not healthy to ignore prolonged negative mental health. There are options to find mental healthcare support online and in-person, so do yourself a solid and check in on your mental wellness just as you would check in on your physical wellbeing.

Support Community Health

Once you’ve given yourself a check-in, spread the love and care of good health in your community. Share your vaccination excitement with family and friends and even consider shooting your friends a reminder to schedule that dental cleaning. And of course, be there as a support system to help your friends and family navigating their journey to good mental and physical health. After all, if there’s one thing the past year has taught us, it’s that we really are all in this together.

The bottom line is, you should be your own priority. Put yourself first and give yourself the love and care you deserve and everything else will fall into place!