It’s safe to say the COVID-19 crisis doesn’t discriminate. It affects people from all walks of life—men and women, old and young, rich and poor. That’s why every individual and family must find ways to adapt their current lifestyle to the pandemic situation.
But when we talk about the impact of the pandemic, we most likely pay attention to women and children. It’s important to know that men are discreetly vulnerable to the pandemic as well. In fact, a report claims that men are dying of COVID-19 twice as much as women. If not, their financial status and daily lifestyle have been severely disrupted and changed in many ways.
As a man battling to survive, here’s how to change your lifestyle to adapt to the pandemic:
1. Practicing self-care
Self-care is essential during this pandemic. As the head of the family, you most likely prioritize the needs of your kids and spouse. You’re most probably working hard to make both ends meet. Your goal is to put food on the table and keep your family safe from the COVID-19.
It’s essential to take good care of yourself as well. Be sure to take a break and find time to relax. Work out at home and engage in outdoor sports while practicing social distancing. If not, relax and watch your favorite sports shows at home. Having time for yourself can make a difference in practicing self-care.
2. Building healthy habits
Having a healthy lifestyle is key to protecting yourself from the threat of the novel coronavirus. Even if you get the SARS-COV-2, you’ll survive if you have a strong immune system. As the head of the family, you must take the initiative to implement healthy routines at home.
First, it’s best to cook and prepare healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. Also, get every family member to exercise at home. Plus, don’t forget to limit digital consumption and have enough sleep. All these habits will help create a healthy lifestyle at home.
3. Getting into physical fitness
Being physically active during the pandemic has never been this important. Sure, the stay-at-home orders and restricted movements must discourage you from getting physically fit. However, there are alternative ways to exercise in the comfort of your home.
One way to do so is to set a home gym. You can find a dedicated space for workouts and invest in gym tools and equipment. Also, you can improve your outdoor space and engage in running or jogging or play outdoor sports with your kids in the backyard. The goal is to get as physically active as you can.
4. Fighting off addiction
Combating your addiction is all the more critical during the pandemic. If you’re a chain smoker, gradually reduce the number of sticks you consume until you quit smoking altogether.
If you’re a frequent alcohol drinker, it’ll be best to avoid drinking alcohol. Otherwise, your drinking habit might end up becoming your coping mechanism during this pandemic. Most importantly, never get into substance use and abuse, as they can be detrimental to your mental health in the long run.
5. Focusing on home improvements
As the head of the family, overseeing your house might be the least of your concern. As long as you have already owned a house, your focus is on working hard for your family. It’s your spouse who’s probably taking care of the household chores and home maintenance.
However, it’s a good idea to consider sprucing up your home during this pandemic. It would be best to hire a general contractor to pursue a home renovation project. If not, get some tradesmen to inspect, maintain, or repair your plumbing, electrical, roofing, and HVAC system.
6. Turning interests into careers
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the rise of unemployment and business closure. It can be quite hard if you lose your job or closed your business for good. There’s no other way than to find ways to make some money during this pandemic.
The best course of action is to assess your interest and hobbies and use them for generating income. For instance, if you’re into video editing or graphic designing, do freelance work via online freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer. Ultimately, it’s best to turn your passion and lifestyle into an income-generating source.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected men, too. As a man, it’s essential to acknowledge the pandemic situation and take action towards a healthy lifestyle. As mentioned above, practice self-care, form healthy habits, and get into physical fitness. Also, combat any form of addiction, focus on home improvement, and turn your interest into a career. With a healthy and productive lifestyle, you’ll rise above the pandemic situation.