How to Maintain Total Health Amidst Changing Pandemic Guidance

Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic has been much like New England weather; wait a minute and it will change. We recently took additional precautions again due to the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant when the CDC announced that individuals should wear masks indoors and in public settings where there is substantial or high risk of transmission, regardless of vaccination status. While I know the constant changes can be frustrating, we must check in and adapt to the latest COVID-19 environment to keep ourselves and others healthy.

Being fully vaccinated has eased concerns for some people when going about everyday activities, such as grocery shopping, eating at restaurants or visiting with friends, but others still face stress and continued uncertainty or have re-entry anxiety. After going through many months of stay-at-home orders, social distancing and economic uncertainty, the long-lasting impacts of living through the throws of the pandemic can be difficult to shake off—and some may continue to feel the effects for months, or even years, to come.?

Considering these long-term physical and mental strains, it’s more important than ever to take care of ourselves. So, to help with our total well-being today, and as life in the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change, I’m sharing how we can keep holistic health a priority.

Take Time for Yourself

It can be challenging to get into the rhythm of a new routine after months of constant change—social distancing, staying at home, shifting mask requirements. According to CVS Health’s 2021 Health Care Insights Study , which surveyed 1,000 consumers and 400 providers for their thoughts on the state of health care and how they are navigating this evolving landscape, the pandemic impacted?people’s lifestyles in a few consistent ways: 30 percent said it led to a lack of routine/structure/daily schedule, 35 percent said it caused a change in physical activity and 33 percent said it caused sleep changes.

To prioritize our total well-being regularly, there are many activities you can do, even when we are spending less time at home and our schedules become busier. Consider:?

·????????Setting aside time to take part in things you love doing, whether it’s a hobby like gardening or painting or just reading a good book to take a break from a busy schedule.

·????????Starting your days with a bit of journaling and setting your intention of each day—this helps when practicing mindfulness and meditation.

·????????Taking in the sunshine and fresh air, weather permitting, to clear your mind, soak up some Vitamin D and gain a fresh perspective.

·????????Getting your body moving with some exercise each day—even if it’s a light walk around your neighborhood.

·????????Sticking with a healthy diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables.

·????????Scheduling appointments with your doctors for checkups and to raise any health concerns you may have.

Check in on Your Friends and Family

According to our Health Care Insights Study, stress levels rose significantly due to COVID-19. In fact, 37 percent of respondents said the pandemic impacted anxiety, and 30 percent said it impacted depression. Additional data from the CDC, collected between August 2020 and February 2021, found that adults with recent symptoms of an anxiety or a depressive disorder increased from 36.4 to 41.5 percent.

The pandemic has undoubtedly impacted our mental well-being, which is why it is important to regularly check in with friends and family to see how they are coping. There may be someone in your life who is struggling with re-entry anxiety and, because of the pandemic, have become distanced from those around them. Our study found that 45 percent of people agree that they no longer have a desire to be social (up from 38 percent in 2020), and 42 percent agree that they live in a place that makes it inconvenient to be social (up from 33 percent in 2020).

Ask friends and family how they are feeling about socializing. When you’re comfortable doing so, make plans to see these loved ones in person. It is quite easy for these things to go unnoticed, especially while we were physically distanced. But that makes it even more critical for conversations about mental well-being to take place.

Reach Out for Help

Though many of us have seen the mental health impacts of COVID-19, and some are seeking care, too many people aren’t reaching out for mental health services to address the feelings they’re having. In fact, research from our study also found that 74 percent of people did not seek mental health services, yet 76 percent of providers said a high or moderate?proportion of their patients are facing mental health issues. Additionally, more men (32%) than women (23%) sought out mental health services, despite women reporting they were more likely than men to experience mental health difficulties in response to the pandemic. The mental health challenges faced include increased?anxiety, stress, feelings of isolation and loneliness, depression, mood swings, changes in appetite and suicidal thoughts.?

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, you’re not alone—ask for help. As a first step, tell a loved one about your feelings and contact your provider or other local professional for mental health resources. Aetna’s Resources for Living , or your employee assistance program, can be a valuable, trusted resource for these types of questions or concerns. There are also mental health resources located right in your community, such as the licensed clinical social workers in select CVS HealthHUB locations around the country. They can help through screening, counseling, expanded telehealth options and more. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, visit the CVS HealthHUB website .

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have many twists and turns. Though we are continuing to move in the right direction, with a good portion of Americans vaccinated to fight against the spread, the importance of keeping up with the total well-being of ourselves and others isn’t going away. I encourage you to pick one way you will support the well-being of yourself and a loved one this week. Then, share how you’re making it a priority below!