What does healthy mean for you? Nowadays, being healthy is almost the same as being COVID-19-free. The pandemic has changed almost every aspect of the way we live—from working, studying, and even socializing. The outbreak of the COVID-19 paved the way for increased reliance on technology.
Since working and studying have become virtual, people stay in their homes more frequently. There’s no more need to iron your business suit, shave your overgrown beard, or even go through the hassle of traffic jams because you can do your business reports or school presentations at the comfort of your own home.
However, while the shift to remote working and studying has its benefits, it can have some disadvantages. As humans, we have an innate need to belong and socialize. As such, prolonged remote working and studying arrangements can take their toll on both the physical and mental well-being of a person. What are the negative impacts of the pandemic to one’s overall wellness?
Physical health
One can easily put up weight without even realizing it. Work and study from home arrangements have rendered most of us so busy that some even spend more than 10 hours a day in front of their computers. When was the last time you went for a run? Have you done home workouts recently? Most of us were already having difficulties trying to keep a healthy and fit lifestyle before the pandemic. Now, the pandemic just made it even harder.
It is not easy to have a healthy balance between work and life when you are doing your work at your home. Getting an email in the middle of the night may have even become a norm for you by now. The boundary between work and home becomes nonexistent, and every day may feel like an unending cycle of sleeping, working, and eating—leaving you little to no time for yourself and relaxation.
Neglecting your physical health can have serious repercussions if not remedied sooner. It can result in unwanted illnesses and hospital expenses. Choosing healthy food options and allocating 30 to 60 minutes of your time to do some physical exercises can benefit you greatly. Working out will also help you take your mind off from work, even just for a while.
Mental health
The transition to work-from-home arrangements was a necessary move to keep people safe from the pandemic. These days, connecting with your colleagues and friends is not as personal as it used to be. Connections and interactions are all made online. Collaborating with your team no longer means long hours at the office capped with a nice drink or dinner. Nor does making school projects mean an overnight at your friend’s house. It now means staring at your computer for extended periods of time while working on your tasks.
This can be mentally exhausting for some. It can make them feel secluded and isolated. This is especially true for introverts who may have an even harder time connecting with other people. For some, remote working is even more stressful than office work. There are also instances where stress and isolation can drive someone into depression. In fact, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a study showed a surge in the number of Americans reporting signs of depression.
If you feel you are experiencing pandemic-induced stress or work-related anxieties, there are ways you can talk to a professional to help take some weight off your chest. Fortunately, it is not just work and study that have adopted online arrangements. Even medical professionals are already conducting virtual consultations and sessions. So if you feel like you need help in managing stress and your mental health, you can use teletherapy with a professional to get the help you need.
We cannot change the reality we have now, but this does not mean you cannot do anything about it. If you don’t know where to begin, here are some simple tips you can try to kickstart your healthy lifestyle:
- Exercise – Exercising not only benefits you physically, it positively impacts your mental health as well. You do not need to work out for two to three hours. 30 minutes is enough to get you started.
- Eat healthy food – Once you start exercising, you will also need to watch for your food. Ensure that you eat only healthy food options to complement the physical work to achieve a healthier lifestyle. A proper diet is neither just exercise nor healthy food. It is a combination of both.
- Find a hobby – Having a hobby to distract you from the stress of your work will always be a nice idea. It will help you regain focus and energy once you face your tasks again.
- Take a break – It is never healthy for anyone to keep working straight for prolonged periods of time. Take a break. Cook a hearty lunch or take a nap. You’ll be getting back to work feeling refreshed and energized.
- Talk to someone – If you are having difficulty managing stress or having signs of depression, do not be afraid to talk to someone. More and more people are starting to realize the importance of mental health. Reach out and take that weight off your chest.
With these ideas in mind, you can adjust your routine to make and fit a healthy lifestyle. Your life can experience a turnaround because of it.
