In the new normal, we must never forget the behaviors we’ve learned to make sure that we and our loved ones are healthy and safe. Great strides are being made to make the vaccine available, but we are a long way off to getting everybody free of the COVID-19 virus. It is always good to constantly be reminded (and remind our friends and family as well) of healthy habits.

Here are 5 important tips to remember:

1. Take Vitamins and Eat Healthy

We can never get all the required nutrients from food alone, especially when you are admittedly eating more junk food than usual (we’ve all been there). That’s why we need to make sure to drink our supplements daily to make sure we get all the required nutrients and boost our immune system as well.

2. Don’t Forget Masks and Hand Sanitizer

I recite a short list whenever I go out. The list goes “phone, wallet, and keys.” However, face masks are still required in most places. So, it would be good practice to add that to the list of things to bring when you step out of the house. It’s also good to include a small bottle of hand sanitizer or a small spray bottle of alcohol just in case you need to clean your hands or disinfect high contact things like knobs, grocery carts, or elevator buttons.

3. Follow Social Distancing Protocols

Make sure to stay at least 2 meters away from other people to reduce the risks of virus transmission. The distance varies in each location though. You can always greet someone with a wave.

4. Avoid Touching Your Face

According to studies, people touch their faces approximately 16 times in an hour. That’s a lot of face touching that you probably weren’t aware of. Face touching could significantly increase your risk of infection to the common cold or flu, but the thing to watch out for is the deadly coronavirus. Make it a point to be mindful about your intentions to avoid touching your face. Avoid habits like resting your chin on your hand or scratching your eyes. Keep reminders like post-its or, better yet, keep your hands busy. Your hand sanitizer or alcohol bottle will come in handy here. Scented ones will be a big bonus as the smell will draw attention to where your hands are.

5. Wash Your Hands Regularly and Properly

Make sure to scrub all parts of your hands with soap and running water. Twenty seconds or the length of 2 “happy birthday” songs is enough to remove pathogens. You can even wash your hands to these songs too, bonus points for singing out loud:

• Row, row, row your boat
• Twinkle, twinkle little star
• Shape of My Heart – Backstreet Boys
• Mambo No. 5 – Lou Bega
• Love on Top chorus – Beyonce
• Jolene – Dolly Parton
• Mr. Brightside – The Killers
• Africa – Toto

What are your healthy habit tips for the new normal? Share them with us in the comments. Remember to work smart and be a blessing to someone today. Stay safe and healthy!

Written by Jaie O. TheHelp