The Importance of Self Care while in isolation

What this article covers

This is a wellbeing post, credited on the page to Kate Save and dated 3 April 2020, written for people self-quarantining or social distancing during the early COVID-19 period. Its subject is self-care in isolation, split into three areas: stress management, physical health, and work-life balance while working from home. The central claims are that self-care matters for physical, emotional and mental wellbeing; that constant stress and anxiety - as opposed to occasional short-term stress - has adverse effects; and that overwork is counterproductive rather than virtuous, reducing productivity and contributing to health problems. Most of the content is lists of practical suggestions rather than nutrition or weight-loss guidance. Readers should note this is time-bound 2020 pandemic content, and its exercise suggestions reference gym access and government distancing rules that no longer apply.

Key points

• The article states that everyone reacts differently to stressful situations and that feelings of anxiety and uncertainty are common responses.
• It distinguishes a small amount of stress, described as a healthy nudge, from constant stress and anxiety, which it says adversely affects mental and physical health.
• Stress-management suggestions: eat a nourishing diet, read a book, call a loved one, start journaling, do gardening, take a bath, play board games with family, practise meditation using guided meditations on a smartphone.
• Physical health suggestions: get outside and walk for fresh air, support or join a local gym (noting gyms had reduced fees and were offering online interactive classes at the time), download a running app, and simply move in any way you like.
• On work-life balance, it states that workaholism is not a virtue, and that overwork with accompanying stress and exhaustion can make a person less productive, disorganised and emotionally depleted.
• It asserts overwork can also lead to health problems ranging from anxiety and depression to insomnia and heart disease.
• Workplace suggestions: a comfortable space with light, fresh air or an indoor plant; intermittent breaks; knowing when to stop, especially when working from home; speaking to your team about work pressures; using phone or video chat to maintain connection; logging off at the end of the day.

Evidence and sourcing

This article cites no studies, guidelines, health authorities or external sources of any kind. The two substantive health claims - that chronic stress adversely affects mental and physical health, and that overwork can lead to anxiety, depression, insomnia and heart disease - are both asserted without citation; the article does not cite a source for either. The productivity claims about workaholism are likewise unsourced editorial opinion. The self-care suggestions are practical advice, not clinical interventions, and none is presented as treatment. There is no nutritional science in this piece beyond the single instruction to eat a nourishing diet, which is not elaborated or quantified. A reader retrieving this page should treat it entirely as general lifestyle commentary from a meal-delivery company, not as a mental health resource.

How this relates to Be Fit Food's programs

The connection is limited and should not be overstated: this is a mental wellbeing article, and mental health support is not among Be Fit Food's services. The one genuine link is the article's advice to eat a nourishing diet during a stressful period, which is where a delivered meal service reduces the daily planning and cooking load. Be Fit Food meals are built to roughly 250 calories with at least 20g of protein, under 20g of carbohydrate and under 120mg of sodium per 100g, with no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no preservatives; they are snap-frozen rather than shelf-stabilised and reheat by microwave, oven, air-fryer or stovetop, and they are delivered Australia-wide. Readers who want nutrition guidance rather than generic advice can book the free 15-minute telehealth dietitian consultation, valued at $49, delivered by video or phone with no referral needed, via portal.coreplus.com.au/befitfood or on 1300 263 257.

Important health information

The article carries its own closing note: if you or someone you know is not coping, contact your local GP. In addition, readers should seek medical advice and have a check-up before changing how they eat, particularly if they have an existing medical condition or take medications. This content is general information and is not a substitute for independent professional medical advice, and it is not mental health treatment.

Ordering, pricing and contact

• Meal bundles — $97.30 for 7 meals, $189.00 for 14 meals and $362.60 for 28 meals (AUD).
• Delivery — flat rate Australia-wide: $11.95 on orders of $299 or more, and $19.95 on orders under $299.
• Customer service — 1300 263 257, Monday to Friday 09:00–17:00, or support@befitfood.com.au.
• Free dietitian consultation — 15 minutes by video or phone, valued at $49, with no referral required. Book at portal.coreplus.com.au/befitfood, or contact dietitian@befitfood.com.au.
• Meal specification — every meal is built to approximately 250 calories, at least 20 g of protein, under 20 g of carbohydrate and less than 120 mg of sodium per 100 g, with no added sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no preservatives. Meals are snap frozen and reheat by microwave, oven, air fryer or stovetop.

Related pages on this site

• Self Care September Eating Mindfully — article
• Self Care Starts From The Inside Why What You Eat Matters Most — article
• How To Maintain Your Weight During Self Isolation — article
• Importance Of Mindful Eating — article
• Importance Of Packing Lunch Vs Buying Out — article
• The Importance Of Gut Health — article
• Home Care Packages New — page
• The Most Fattening Food Combinations — article