For the past year, staying at home has helped saved lives. There are many other factors at play in the rise and fall of COVID-19 infections, such as hygienic practices and vaccinations. Still, people’s decision to stay at home has certainly helped avoid many infections.
For all its merits, however, staying at home can also pose certain threats to people’s health. At the end of the day, human beings are not meant to stay indoors for extended periods of time.
Until the population reaches herd immunity, people need to make sure that they continue practicing physical distancing. But they also need to make sure that they’re not developing habits at home that can be harmful to their health.
Mind matters
One of the first things that the lockdown affected was one’s mental health. It was no surprise that being suddenly forced to be away from their friends and family, being locked inside a home prison for days on end, with no human contact whatsoever, would negatively affect their emotional well-being.
It’s true that, at first, many people enjoyed the break from socializing. It allowed them to take a breather from the overwhelming and fast-paced world that they had been living in. It gave them some time to pause and reflect. That benefit, however, quickly ran its course. After all, no man is an island, and without the social aspect of their lives, they felt like they were losing their minds.
As everyone continues staying at home, they need to continue looking after their mental health for the time being. The feeling of loss and being stuck can be overwhelming, so it’s important to somehow reach out to loved ones. Chat with friends online. Seek professional help through online platforms. Even if people can’t meet in person yet, it doesn’t mean they can’t engage with others.
As the world slowly opens up, individuals also need to make sure they’re prepared for this next transition. Just as the lockdown was jarring, suddenly throwing yourself into the outside world can also be a negative experience. Prepare yourself emotionally for the change so that you won’t experience the same trauma you did last year.
Carry that weight
You’ll be surprised how much more walking we got when we still worked in offices. That commute, that quick trip to the coffee shop, even that bathroom break, contributed to one’s daily steps somehow.
Confined to the square meters of one’s home, their daily steps have surely declined. That’s why it’s been extra important to increase physical activity while at home.
If you’ve packed on the pounds during this pandemic, you can still turn things around. With more time at home, you can cook healthier dinners. The extra hours in the morning can be time for a regular workout routine. You can always reach out to a weight management center for more professional guidance and advice.
Look ahead
The world has certainly shrunk in a way. It’s bad enough that people are staring at computer screens, phone screens, and TV screens all day. Making it worse is that everyone’s view has literally been limited to just a few meters.
One’s eye health is something that they can easily overlook. But they need to take better care of it, as it is essential to their professions.
Taking a break from screen time is always good advice. Use eye drops to soothe your dry eyes. Whenever you can, take a breather from what you’re doing, look out of a window, and set your eyes on something in the far distance. That can help relax your eye muscles.
Find your light
The most obvious health drawback of staying at home is not getting enough sun. Sun exposure isn’t just about getting that nice tan. Bodies generate vitamin D when exposed to the sun. With vitamin D deficiency a concern for 40% of American adults, getting the right amount of sunlight is a must. The lack of sun is sometimes unavoidable, so it would be best to take vitamin D supplements as well.
These health hazards notwithstanding, it’s important to note that staying at home continues to have its benefits. Apart from helping curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it allows people to spend more time with their families and themselves.
As with anything, it’s just important to be aware of the possible dangers of a situation. While everyone enjoys the benefits of staying at home, they need to make sure that they are not allowing themselves to suffer from its disadvantages.