Just think, at the beginning of the year, “social distance” meant nothing. Yet this phrase has quickly and radically penetrated our daily language and lives. And it is, indeed, a critical necessity to combatting the potential ravaging of the current global pandemic.

Social distancing means we can’t interact the way we did just a few short weeks ago. We cannot touch people aside from those who live with us. We cannot visit the places we took for granted, such as gyms, restaurants, movie theaters, or concert venues.

In this effort to stay physically well, the new norm could easily take a toll on our mental wellness. At BIPRI, we’re committed to helping you stay healthy, mentally and physically. Read on for ways to keep mentally well while remaining compliant.

Avoid Isolation

Even introverts are challenged by this “new normal.” Regardless of your personality, we all need contact and community. So how can we avoid isolation when we are asked to restrict our going out? It comes down to two methods: Old School and New School.

Old School

• Write letters. Yes, put pen to paper and dig out an envelope and stamp! Write friends and family members, whether they’re across the street or across the country. It’s fun to get mail! And it ups the level of excitement to go to the mailbox, wondering if someone has written back.
• Place a phone call. Or answer one. Having a voice-to-voice conversation can do so much for your mental state. The ability to laugh together, cry together, hear their tones and have immediate response and feedback may be just what you need on a rough day.

New School

• Utilize Technology. Technology can unite us and reduce the feeling of isolation and aloneness, whether through written communication, such as emails or text, or face-to-face technology to conduct meetings, attend class, or just chat with a friend.

Staying Active

A big part of mental wellness for many is staying physically active. Maybe it’s a team sport or the camaraderie of a gym, maybe it’s a group fitness class or a running club. Or maybe it’s zoning out to your favorite band or podcast and going for a walk or a jog. Whatever helps you stay mentally and emotionally well and physically strong, find a way to keep active. Numerous fitness apps and organizations have made classes or upgrades available during this time of social distancing.

Join a virtual training program with BIPRI (kids or adults) to discover personalized workouts you can do in your home. Call your favorite running buddy and chat via phone while you both run independently. Exercise and physical activity has long been demonstrated to improve blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, helping with clarity, focus and mood.

Outside is Essential

We know our activity is limited to “essentials,” including grocery shopping, getting medication, working in designated essential businesses that cannot be done from home and seeking medical attention. But did you know there is one more thing on the “essentials” list permitted during social distancing?

Getting outside! 

While compliance is key (remaining six feet apart, in groups of less than 10) being outside is recognized by most municipal and governmental stay-at-home orders as an essential activity. Getting fresh air, getting Vitamin D from the sun, having the opportunity to leave your four walls (even for a few minutes) is essential to your physical and mental well-being.

Stay Home, Stay Active, Stay Well… Mentally and Physically

Follow the guidelines to protect yourself, your family and friends, and strangers. You never know who or how the pandemic will impact your circle of people. By working together (apart!) we can hopefully reduce the effects. And by complying, we can hopefully reduce the timeframe in which the social distancing must be done.

But physical wellness must be balanced with mental wellness. BIPRI offers both adult supplements and children’s supplements that may help support mental clarity, mood and immunity, as well as our NEW Liquid Vitamin D, which can be used by children and adults alike.