The following basic guidelines can help you cope during the
lockdown, and also keep you and your family members
psychologically and physically healthy:
Prepare healthy food Involve children in creative
– eat nutritious food to keep activities – prevent boredom by
strong and healthy. You may finding creative ways to keep your
try a new recipe and teach a children busy such as drawing
family member to cook or bake. cartoons, colouring books, etc.
A singalong is another form of family
Keep hydrated – drink lots of fluids, especially water, to entertainment.
stay hydrated and healthy. Hydration is an important factor in
maintaining overall health and wellness. Access virtual church services – most
churches provide live radio and television broadcasts and
Maintain good ventilation – in confined spaces, online live streaming of their religious services.
good ventilation is beneficial. Oxygen from fresh air can
enhance your heart rate, blood pressure and energy levels. It Get enough sleep – it helps you stay
also strengthens your immune system. healthy by giving your body the chance to
heal damaged cells and boost your immune
Exercise regularly – keep fit by engaging system, among other health benefits.
in exercise activities such as push-ups and sit-ups;
even a brisk or leisurely walk around the house Stay tuned – listen to the radio and watch
can make a difference. Among other health television regularly to keep updated with latest
benefits, exercise also helps to alleviate news and developments.
feelings of depression and anxiety.
Keep in touch – maintain regular contact with
Read a book – a good book can help you relax and take family and friends through telephone, email or social
your mind away from worry. Even a good magazine or journal media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, etc).
can keep you occupied for a few hours. Check some of the
online bookshops. Care for the elderly and people with
disabilities – ensure that elderly people and people with
Work in the garden – apart from disabilities are safe and comfortable, and receive a proper diet
beautifying your environment, gardening provides and take their prescription medicine regularly.
substantial health benefits and moderate exercise
to keep you fit and healthy. Avoid Fake News – obtain official information from
www.gov.za or www.sacoronavirus.co.za or send the
Do some DIY – do some paintwork around message “Hi” to 0600 123 456 for WhatsApp support or call
the home and repair broken appliances. Detect the 24-hour toll-free hotline: 0800 029 999.
and seal all water leaks.
Keep contact details of emergency
Spring-clean your home – this is the ideal time services – ensure that you have the correct telephone
to shift things such as beds to do a thorough cleaning of your numbers of local emergency services such as doctor, police
home. and ambulance.
Meditate – it can give you a sense of calm, peace and Seek medical care if sick – should
balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and you or any of your family members feel sick, seek
overall health. medical care immediately.
Provide educational support – do some home “I call on all of us, one and all, to play our part.
schooling, and help your children to catch up with their lessons
To be courageous, to be patient, and above all,
and studies. to show compassion. Let us never despair.
For we are a nation at one, and we will
Observe family time – spend quality time with your surely prevail.”
loved ones and engage in pastime activities together such as – President Cyril Ramaphosa,
playing cards or computer games, or watching a TV show or Monday, 23 March 2020.
movie.
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) SURVIVAL GUIDE
