Health habits changes due to Pandemic
When the Covid-19 pandemic happened, many health habits have changed due to the quarantine protocols and other things that were prohibited. Most of us would like to forget those things, but there are still things that were implemented that will always be viable for each and every one of us in order to protect ourselves from viruses that may arise in the near future.
Below are some of the practices that changed after the pandemic that are worthy to keep in our daily lives.
- Handwashing - this is the simplest method in getting rid of germs. Using soap and water while washing your hands for 20 seconds is a way to reduce the spread of germs and keep you and your family safer.
- Skipping the handshake - this may be a gesture to show hospitality to others but let’s be frank, it is also the easiest way to spread germs to other individuals. Leonard Mermel, DO, an infectious disease specialist in Rhode Island Hospital, wrote a commentary in 2019 calling for a ban on handshakes in winter. In it, Mermel notes, "Gastrointestinal and respiratory viruses are particularly common during winter months and reducing risk of transmission is challenging. Transfer of bacteria from the hands of one person to another is dramatically reduced with a fist bump compared to handshakes. If the same is true for viruses, should we recommend this change in greeting in the winter?". Not only handshakes that became a taboo during the pandemic, but also hugging. There is no doubt that both of these traits are the simplest form of spreading germs and viruses.
- Cooking at home - this not only means serving healthy food for your family, but it is also a great way of bonding time with the whole family. Instead of eating fast food, home cooking is much healthier and it helps you on your budget.
- New workouts - after the gyms closed due to the health protocols, many people looked for alternative ways to exercise.
- Mental health matters - the pandemic has affected more individuals with anxiety and depression. Our mental health has been affected big time. And through the pandemic many people have focused on their mental health and found ways to combat them. Meditation, yoga, and tai chi are some practices that are good for our mental health. If this doesn’t help, it is best to talk to a professional for guidance and counsel.
Lastly, always have self-love in your system. There is no better way of taking care of yourself. Always practice body positivity in order to cancel out the negativity that other people throw at us.
Here are some tips to develop a positive self-image:
- Keep a list of 10 things you love about yourself and who you are beyond your physical appearance.
- If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself.
- Wear clothing that makes you feel good.
- Shift time and energy spent critiquing yourself into doing something nice for a loved one.
- Remember that smaller doesn’t mean happier.
- Take time to appreciate all the wonderful things your body can do- laugh, breathe, hug, dance.
As we are going through changes after the pandemic, it is not good to have a lot of them at once, as this may lead to failure in achieving your health goal. Take it one step at a time, and if you have heartily followed that change, go through the next step so that you can focus on your goals for a healthier lifestyle.
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