It’s no secret that the past year has been tough on everyone. The pandemic has forced us to change how people live, work, and interact with the world. And as a result, it’s had a significant impact on their physical and mental health. Here’s a look at how the pandemic has affected their health and what they can do to mitigate the effects.
Physical Health
The pandemic has forced people to spend more time indoors and less time being active. According to a recent survey, about half of adults in the United States say they’re getting less exercise now than before the pandemic. This decrease in physical activity can lead to weight gain, muscle loss, and a reduction in overall fitness. Additionally, rely on going to the gym or working out with friends or family members for motivation. It can be harder to stay motivated when you’re working out alone. Because of this, many Americans have grown obese due to the pandemic.
The good news is that you can do plenty of things to offset the effects of inactivity. Here are four ways you can deal with laziness at home.
Eat Healthily
The pandemic demands people to eat healthier. This is because it’s harder to lose calories than ever. Eating healthy foods is one way to lose weight, even without exercising. If you want to snack, you can do it healthily as well! For example, there are some healthy sandwich wraps you can order online. These wraps often have between 300-400 calories and are made of chicken, which is a good source of protein for your body.
Fasting
Another excellent option for reducing weight is to fast. There are various ways to fast. First, there’s standard fasting, where you don’t eat anything for an extended period. This fast can be anywhere from 16 to 36 hours long. Another form of fasting is intermittent fasting, which is a diet that alternates periods of eating and non-eating every day or week. If you’ve been struggling with your weight, fasting may help you lose the pounds quickly.
Get Active
Even if you’re unable to leave the house, there are plenty of ways to get active in your home. For example, many streaming services now have exercise channels, which means you can do activities like yoga or workouts from the comfort of your living room. You could also try doing exercises like pushups or squats in front of the TV while watching Netflix!
Stay Motivated
Finally, the most important thing you can do to offset inactivity is to stay motivated. This can be challenging since it’s easy to feel down or give up when you’re stuck indoors for long periods. But if you try different strategies, like listening to music, reading a book before exercising, or going for even shorter walks.
Mental Health
In addition to affecting our physical health, the pandemic has significantly impacted people’s mental health. The isolation and stress of living through a pandemic can trigger or worsen mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Additionally, losing a job or having to homeschool kids can add even more stress to an already difficult situation.
Thankfully, there are ways you can deal with it. Here are three known ways to improve your mental health during the pandemic.
Stay Connected
One of the easiest ways to deal with stress is to stay connected to others. Call friends and family nearby and talk about how you’re feeling. You can also join support groups on social media, where people share their experiences and offer advice or comfort to others dealing with the same challenges.
Talk Therapy
Another great way to deal with mental health issues during the pandemic is to see a therapist or counselor in person or online. Many therapists have started offering teletherapy services during the pandemic, which means that even if you don’t have access to a physical therapist, you can still get help online.
Play Some Video Games
Video games can help if you do them in moderation. Playing a video game is a fun and easy way to distract yourself from worries that are bothering you. Additionally, playing games on your phone can help you stay connected to others by talking with friends online while competing in multiplayer modes.
The pandemic has profoundly affected people’s physical and mental health. However, there are things you can do to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on your health. By making physical activity a part of your daily routines, staying connected with loved ones, taking time for the people you love every day, and reaching out for help when you need it, people can help improve your physical and mental health during this difficult time.
