Maintaining good health is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for people with neurologic conditions. It can help prevent flare ups and worsening symptoms. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, staying in good health can keep people out of the hospital during a time when the health care system is already strained.

We compiled these simple tips to help all patients remain safe and well.

1. Stick to your routine. We recommend waking up at your usual time each morning and taking a shower and getting dressed. Staying in bed in your pajamas increases the likelihood of inactivity, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
2. Exercise at home. Exercise is recommended for almost all patients with neurologic conditions. It also can help relieve caregiver anxiety and stress. If you’re able and feel safe doing so, go for a walk in your neighborhood. Many disease-specific at-home exercise programs are available online and some companies are waiving monthly fees during this time.
3. Stay hydrated. A good practice all the time, drinking plenty of fluids is even more important now.
4. Connect creatively. We strongly encourage older people to use technology—or old-fashioned letter writing—to keep in touch with young children or grandchildren. Up to now, kids seem to have been relatively spared from complications of COVID-19, other than those with underlying conditions such as asthma. But we do know that children are certainly carriers. This means they are likely to be exposed, carry the virus, and spread it through coughing, sneezing, and touching everything, even though they may have no symptoms. Once the virus is in contact with older individuals, it can become very serious very quickly. Keeping your distance from friends and peers doesn’t mean you can’t be in contact. Use the telephone or arrange a video chat. These difficult days can be a good opportunity to reconnect with family members and friends, far and near.
5. Order takeout. Restaurants may be closed for dine-in seating, but you can call your favorite restaurant or use seamless.com or grubhub.com to order food. These delivery services are waiving many of their fees and can leave the food at your doorstep or lobby to avoid direct contact. As you do when receiving groceries, try to minimize excessive handling of containers. Empty the food from takeout containers into your own dishes and discard or recycle the containers, and then wash your hands and counter surfaces thoroughly before eating.
6. Take stock. Watch streaming series you’ve never had time for. Read or reread a great book. Call or video chat with family members, kids, grandkids, and friends. Cuddle with your pets. Clean out that closet that’s been annoying you. Think about (or procrastinate) starting your taxes. Reach out to your spiritual community, if applicable, for support and connection.
7. Turn off or stop reading the news. Limit the time you spend listening to, reading, or watching the news about the pandemic. It will only increase feelings of panic and anxiety. This is especially true for people who have a history of hallucinations or delusions.
8. Cultivate calm. Stressors, such as fear of getting sick and worries for yourself and family members, may cause you to experience more symptoms related to your disorder. Contact your care provider if symptoms get worse. In the meantime, though, seek out resources for relaxation such as tenpercent.com and calm.com.
9. Seek emotional support. If you need someone to lean on for strength, call Lifeline at 800-273-8255, Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to speak to a trained crisis worker who can provide support and share helpful resources. These services are available to everyone and are free and confidential.
   
   

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Dr. Fleisher is assistant professor of neurology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Savica is professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Both are members of the Brain & Life editorial board.

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COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and Neurologic Disease Resource Center