Every industry is feeling the effect of the COVID-19, and the vaping industry is no exception. In the UK, in the light of the COVID-19 outbreak, the government listed vape shops among other businesses that should close temporarily.
The government issued a notice indicating some of the businesses that should close and exemptions, including post offices, supermarkets, and corner shops. Although some of these locations may have vaping products, there was no specific announcement on “vaping only” properties.
Why are vape shops closed?
The decision to close vape shops was made in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus pandemic. We have seen lockdowns in almost all countries and efforts to cut off the public gathering and educate people on the risks of COVID-19. If many people get affected by the disease over a short period of time, it will overwhelm the existing health infrastructure, leading to more deaths and disruption of essential services since more individuals will be hospitalized and cannot work. Social distancing, voluntary isolations for those who are at high risk, and practicing a high level of hygiene are some of the top practices to reduce the spread of the disease. That’s why many shops have closed, including vape shops. Visit this site to read more about the closing of vape shops in the UK.
While this is the government approach to prevent the pandemic from spreading, it poses challenges to regular vapers, especially those vapers who use vapes as a way to switch from tobacco products. So what exactly does this ruling mean for vapers or people who wanted to start vaping, and what options are available for them?
Fortunately, there are a number of things vapers can do during this coronavirus pandemic. The options include:
1. Order online
Thankfully, most online vape shops are still operating, and you can purchase your e-liquid from them. You don’t have to panic buy, but you can get enough e-liquid of your choice that will last you for quite some time. You should only buy your e-liquid from a reputable online store, which is regulated. If you are worried about your parcel getting contaminated while in transit, you should not because most of these delivery services have made changes when it comes to handling parcels, adhering to safety measures.
2. Don’t go back to smoking
Even if you can’t easily get hold of vaping materials, you should not think of going back to smoking cigarettes. Although research about vaping is ongoing, the dangers of smoking tobacco are well documented, and they are known to put people at a high risk of developing lung cancer, mouth cancer, or respiratory issues. While quitting smoking is the best option, it can be quite difficult to do during this time.
3. Exercise
One of the best things you can do during this lockdown period is to exercise. Exercise will not only make you active, but it will also lift your mood. Now that gyms are closed down, you can work out at home. You can try out different types of workouts over this period and find the workout that works for you. You can do yoga, cycling, or go for a walk.
4. Eat a healthy diet
Now that you are staying at home full time, this is the right time to prepare healthy meals and get rid of the junk foods. A healthy diet is a diet full of vegetables, fruits, and fiber. A healthy diet is not only good for your well-being, but it also helps you maintain a healthy weight. If you have a garden in your compound, it is even better, because taking a meal outside will make you feel less restricted. It also means having a good time with your family or those people you are quarantining with.
5. Reflect and redefine
Having time for yourself enables you to reflect and redefine your goals. You can use this time to reassess the direction you are going and evaluate if you are on the right track or need to make some changes. Is your current lifestyle making you happy, or are you missing something and not living up to the full potential of life and your desires? This is also a good time to reflect on your personality and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Personal development is a continuous process- forgetting to realign your goals, and plan of action can cost you your true happiness.
6. Talk to someone
This period of COVID-19 can be quite overwhelming. You can talk to someone regarding how you feel. The world is trying to adapt to a new normal, and it is not easy for everybody. That’s why you need to find someone to talk to. When looking for someone to talk to, remember to choose someone whom you trust and will understand you, not someone who will fuel your fear and anxiety even further.
7. Write a journal
You can never go wrong with writing a journal. The great thing about writing a journal is that you can write anything you want, whenever you want. Write down your best ideas; write about your day, or even a list of all your goals. You never know, you might just get inspired.
8. Prioritize your mental health
During this COVID-19 pandemic, when many people are self-isolating or in lockdown, mental health may suffer. That’s why you need to take good care of your mental health during this period. The COVID-19 pandemic is creating stress for the worldwide population. Fear about the disease, empty store shelves, and self-isolation or quarantine may lead to depression or anxiety.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to keep your mental health in check, including limiting the amount of news you consume, limiting the amount of time you spend on social media, having enough sleep, exercising, talking about mental health, practicing meditation, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and so much more. Having good mental health means having good overall psychological well-being; that is why it is crucial to prioritize your mental health during this period.
