During the month of May, I spoke about my COVID-19 journey very openly on the blog with the hope that people benefit from the experience – symptoms to watch out for, general medication that I took, supplements, things that worked, mental health, lessons I learnt, and more. If you would like to read about my journey or the lessons that I learnt, follow the hyperlinks.
Today, I am going to be talking about COVID-19 recovery, and how it could be a long journey for some as well as the things that you should keep in mind during your road to recovery.
Let me start by confessing that I still don’t feel a 100%, I still experience weakness and my headaches are more severe and frequent than before (I have had migraines since years). Just like the virus affects people differently; the healing process also varies from person to person.
Here are some of my tips and first hand experiences during the recovery period:
#1 Take it SLOW
Just testing negative isn’t enough; it’s not a button that goes ON and OFF. You might be out of isolation but it’s quite common to feel weak, experience dizziness and headaches as well as sleep more than usual post COVID. Listen to your body, this is not the time to be a superhero or a martyr.
In my case this was particularly hard since, I tend to work on multiple things. But I set expectations at work/home, prioritized what could be done and what could be postponed and simply decided to listen to my body. If I could go for a walk, I went; if I needed to shut my laptop early, I did and if I needed an afternoon nap, I decided not to fight it.
#2 Eat HEALTHY
It’s extremely important to eat well during the recovery phase; your body has fought through something big and it needs the right nutrition at this time. I made sure I included more protein in my diet once my appetite returned; I kept myself hydrated which was my biggest strength even when I had COVID, I would include at least 2 servings of fruit during my day (melons have become my best friend) and I tried to include at least one regular Indian meal with daal (pulses), sabzi (1 serving of veggies) and 2 rotis with salad and pickle.
Take care of yourself; you owe it to yourself
#3 Start Moving
Start gradually; it’s obvious you cannot go back to your regular workout regime but gentle walks first inside your home and later around your block are great ways to begin. It’s not easy, but don’t let those muscles go weak. If you’re under lockdown try some of these light home workouts: Post Covid Recovery Workout, Walk at Home or PHYSIO COVID 19 RECOVERY Exercises at Home . (You’ll find so many on YouTube, Leslie being my favorite!)
PS: In case you feel excessively tired, dizzy, breathless or experience any other symptoms, please seek medical advise. Take it slow and try to exercise when you feel ready.
#4 Sleep well
Ensure that you get adequate amount of sleep every day; if you’re sleeping more than usual – it’s common and it’s okay. Do as your body asks you to do – thank your body for what it’s done for you and allow it to heal.
#5 Do not SKIP your Supplements
I continued to take my supplements even after testing negative – Vit C, Zinc, Vid D and it has helped me immensely. I am also taking Magnesium now and had to undergo an Iron infusion due to low levels. But this totally depends on your condition – it’s important to get your regular blood work done post which one needs to seek medical advice on the way forward.
#6 Seek Medical Advise aka Go and meet your GP
Once you are better and out of isolation; make sure you are meeting your general physician who should be able to evaluate your current state and prescribe any medication that might be needed. For instance:
- Regular monitoring of blood sugar in diabetic patients and blood pressure in hypertensive patients is required.
- Get blood tests like CBC and CRP, if advised by a physician.
- CT scan of the chest after three months to look at the extent of lung recovery post-infection, as advised.
#7 Do not ignore your Mental Health
As usual an underestimated topic, COVID fears and helplessness are also part of the COVID symptoms and if severe should be treated during the recovery phase. Seek help, reach out to F&F (friends and family), socialize, do things that you love – if you still feel depressed or demotivated you might want to ask for professional help.
#8 Stay Patient and Positive
It takes a while to get to a 100%; allow your mind and body to heal. Go out again, talk to friends, take walks, celebrate being a COVID warrior!
Hope this article helps you on your path to full recovery. If you’ve tested COVID positive or have just undergone COVID: I wish you a quick recovery and extremely healthy times ahead. With the vaccine drives in full swing across the world; make sure you get vaccinated and continue to follow the safety measures.
I can see some light while still in the tunnel; but till we are out – stay safe and healthy!
Our first ever FREE webinar as part of the Body Positivity Project is almost here! Register here if you haven’t already.
To read posts from May, click here
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