In this article we are going to look at how you can make the most of your life whilst wearing a protective mask.
After all, wearing a protective face mask seems to be the new normal for us.
But how do we make sure our lives aren't interrupted too much by having to wear a face mask? For many people cloth face masks can be intrusive and an inconvenience.
This is because they may live in a country that isn't used to wearing them.
Also, having to remember to wear one at all times may also not be pleasant for many people.
We are going to look at three different situations:
- Tips for wearing a fabric face mask for those who are active
- Tips for wearing a fabric face mask for work
- Tips for wearing a fabric face mask for everyday
Having to wear a face mask isn't the end of the world. And there are plenty of fabric face masks out there you can buy to protect yourself.
But how can you make the most out of having to wear a protective mask all the time?
TIPS FOR WEARING A FABRIC FACE MASK FOR THOSE WHO ARE ACTIVE
Granted, being in quarantine, the definition of being active is not the same as it used to be.
But that doesn't mean that you still can't be active whilst indoors.
WHO recommends we all get 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.
Exercise can include playing with children, following an online exercise class and walking. It can also include running on a
treadmill if you are lucky enough to have one.
But should you always wear your fabric face mask when you exercise?
Right now, the answer is yes, even though many people won't want to.
It is hard though to get used to exercising wearing a fabric face mask. There's no best face mask for exercise either.
But here are our top tips on getting the best from your face mask if you still want to lead an active life.
Start slow/slow down when exercising with a fabric face mask
Wearing a fabric face mask when you exercise, even if its walking, still takes some getting used to.
Your body has to work harder because your protective mask limits your breathing.
If you are someone who pushes themselves to the limit when they exercise, there's no shame in toning it down.
The more you exercise the faster and harder you end up breathing and your fabric face mask is going to affect that.
People who have asthma or other respiratory conditions are recommended to slow down.
Listening to your body is very important when exercising with a protective mask. If you are out of breath more then stop.
Make your fabric face mask comfortable
Like when you run and your earbud falls out, exercising with a fabric face mask can also be uncomfortable. It's important to take time before exercising to position your face mask.
If it isn't comfortable then it becomes a distraction. Positioning your cloth face mask includes the fabric face mask itself and the ear straps.
There's nothing worse than wearing a face protection mask whose ear straps cut into the side of your head. These face masks are not the most comfortable for some people. Wearing them is not recommended for exercise if it hurts.
Practice wearing your fabric face mask first
It isn't recommended to start exercising wearing a fabric face mask without practice.
If you are unsure how your body will react to exercise in a face protection mask do light exercise in it first.
This means putting on your cloth face mask and then doing light exercise, such as running on the spot for 10 - 15 minutes.
By doing this you'll learn a) if your fabric face mask is a comfortable fit and b) how much extra work your body has to do.
This should allow you to gauge how to pace yourself in a fabric face mask. In this case, slower is better and less is more, until you are get used to it.
TIPS FOR WEARING A FABRIC FACE MASK WHEN AT WORK
For most of us, our remembrance of the 'office' will never be exactly the same again. Many companies will now make wearing a protection mask mandatory for all employees.
So how can you still continue to work at home whilst also wearing your protection mask at all times?
Again, there is no best face mask to help you here.
A lot of the tips we already gave for those who are active also apply here.
Focus on a fabric face mask for work that you can wear for long periods
Because we are working from home it means that we need a fabric face mask that is comfortable. It's not about looking stylish in an online meeting.
You need a protective mask that doesn't inhibit you. It should allow you to wear it and still give meetings.
Remember your fabric face mask for work at all times
There are people who forget to always wear their protective mask. But they should always wear their face mask for work at all times, even though the boss isn't watching.
It's too easy to stop wearing your fabric face mask as soon as your Zoom meeting ends. But that breeds bad habits because for most countries now, wearing a face mask for work is the new normal. It's the first line of defense for many companies and their employees.
TIPS FOR WEARING YOUR PROTECTIVE MASK EVERY DAY
Until recently everyone wore face masks only in post-apocalyptic films or TV shows. Now, when you walk outside, if you go outside at all, chances are everyone is wearing a face protection mask.
Wearing a cloth face mask every day for many people will be an obstruction. Especially if they are not used to having to cover their mouth when outside.
Wear Your Fabric Face Mask as Often as You Can
It can be uncomfortable to wear a cloth face mask at first. You may find breathing is a little harder as well. The biggest annoyance though may be having to wear it all the time and forgetting it.
The more you wear it the quicker you become used to having a protective mask for your face. Talking whilst wearing a protective mask takes some getting used to. This also includes listening to others as well talk to you. But again, you'll get used to it in time.
Keep Your Fabric Face Mask Safe
As more and more businesses need us to wear a protective mask to go inside it means we all must have a fabric face mask. Some businesses will even sell you a protective mask if you don't bring one, but not all.
But there's nothing worse than finally being able to go outside to do some shopping, only to see a sign on the door. The sign says, 'Customers are only allowed inside wearing a face mask', and you forgot yours.
And can't borrow someone else's.
So, make sure that you keep your fabric face mask in a safe place. Like with glasses, if you think you will lose it, get several at a time and keep them in convenient locations.
In Conclusion
No matter how you cut it, wearing protective masks is part of our lives now. These tips will help you get the most out of having to wear a cloth face mask in all areas of your life.
Fitted sells a range of fabric face masks that come in three styles. Plain color, thin stripes and thick stripes.
They also stock an adjustable fabric face mask as well.
Each fabric face mask is made from 100% cotton, with three layers of protection.
With a 100% cotton exterior for the fabric face mask. Two inner layers are a cotton muslin interior, with an optional protective insert for your air filter. The final layer is the outer layer that rests against your mouth.
Made from cotton muslin it allows you to breathe and blocks microscopic particles. If you haven't yet got an fabric face mask yet, get one from Fitted, a company you can trust.
Please note that our face masks are not medical grade.