May June 2020 Electric.ie Magazine

18 ELECTRIC.IE • The Magazine & Website for the Irish Electrical Industry • Health is a state of mind, wellness is a state of being T he digital age of instant communication and social media has shaped new habits that hinder our brain’s efforts to regulate emotions. We respond to situations in real-time as we perceive them. This can provoke negative reactions that cause damage to our health and well- being. During instances of crisis, like #Covid-19 we are facing now, maintaining calm can be tricky. Especially when our daily lives are already stressful. Learning how to cope in tense situations is an important skill we can all benefit from. Keep on reading to learn more about our recommendations and tips. Heating Climate and temperature can have a big impact on health, especially your home. As we’re required to spend more time in them, it’s important to regulate your heating for enhanced comfort and optimum energy consumption. The World Health Organization’s standard for comfortable warmth is 18 ºC for normal, healthy adults who are appropriately dressed. For those with respiratory problems or allergies, they recommend no less than 16 ºC, and for the sick, disabled, very old or very young, a minimum of 20 ºC. That’s why we recommend setting the temperature of your Rointe system between 18 ºC and 21 ºC for the best comfort. Did you know that decreasing the temperature by just 1 ºC can reduce your heating bill by up to €100 per year? Most of us won’t even notice such a small difference, so give it a try to ease the financial worry of heating your home. You might also help decrease pressure on the electricity work along to and you’ll feel fitter and happier afterwards. With the current health advice, why not try spring cleaning your home to help with those spots you might overlook in your regular weekly clean up? Fitness & health As our routines change, so might our eating and exercise habits. Many of us could become lethargic and a bit down in the dumps if we don’t look after our bodies. Regular exercise and healthier eating help boost your immune system and your mood. A healthy balanced diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and foods from animal sources, whilst lowering your intake of sugar and saturated fats. Vegetables and fruit are an important source of vitamins and minerals to keep your immune system up and are a good source of natural fibre for a healthy gut. Try to make your plate more colourful by choosing different varieties. Oily fish like salmon, trout and mackerel are a great source of protein to keep you feeling fuller for longer. They’re also high in omega-3 fats. Regular exercise is also important for a healthier lifestyle, reducing the risk of major illnesses, boosting self- esteem and improving sleep quality. Adults should aim to achieve at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. It can be more difficult to exercise from home during this crisis, but fitness coaches are now turning to live-streaming sessions that you can join from your living room. There’s also a whole host of online workouts you can try, or simply organise a 30-minute dance party for you and your family at home. Turn the music up and sing along to your favourite tunes. ‒ At Rointe, we want to help boost your health during this uncertain time, so here are some tips to make your #StayAtHome less stressful and more enjoyable. grid by allowing your Rointe product to work more efficiently, drawing less energy by reaching the temperature you set quicker. Rointe electric radiators and towel rails need minimal maintenance, but keeping them clean helps your environment and product stay healthy. We recommend that all parts are kept clean (behind, underneath, along the upper fins or bars etc.), but don’t use any abrasive cleaning products on the aluminium or steel. Simply wipe the body thoroughly with a slightly damp (not wet) cloth and pH-neutral soap. You can clean the control panel by rubbing with a dry cloth, but you might want to lock it first to prevent buttons being pressed unnecessarily. Spring cleaning Spring cleaning has many health benefits, from breathing better to keeping active. It’s also important for removing any nasty pathogens. Dust and pet dander are also powerful asthma triggers, so give your surfaces a good scrub with a damp, clean cloth and soap. For most of us more clutter means more stress, so why not tidy up and organise your belongings? Brightly coloured storage boxes are great for kids’ toys. If you can’t get out to purchase them, ask your children to decorate cardboard boxes instead for a fun activity to keep them occupied. Cleaning is also a great way to get some exercise if you’re stuck at home, but you really need to put some effort in. Stretch for those cobwebs, lunge whilst vacuuming and use bigger circles to perfect the polish on your mirrors. Put on your favourite upbeat music to Rointe