Previous Story
Reversing The Effects Of Lockdown To Boost Your Health
Let’s face it, lockdowns were a tough time for most. Breaking away from normal routines and freedoms and spending a lot of time at home was sure to mess with your health.
From developing unhealthy sleep patterns to gaining weight and losing fitness, there are a lot of things lockdowns can be blamed for. But not that things are taking a more positive turn, it’s time to take charge and put your health first again.
Get ready to reverse the effects of lockdown with the following tips.
Restore your regular sleep pattern
Did your sleep pattern suffer as a result of the pandemic? Working from home has meant a lot of people have become used to staying up late and sleeping in more. But if you have to return to the office or simply want a healthier sleeping pattern, you’re going to need to make some changes.
Fixing your sleep schedule isn’t as difficult as you might think. Start by making some small changes and working on creating a sleep routine that works for you. Reducing your screen time and getting into bed a little earlier can affect the quality of your sleep. Even if you don’t have to be up early in the mornings, aim to get up before you need to so that you can make the most of the day.
Build a healthier routine
Lockdowns and quarantines threw a lot of routines out the window, With a lot of uncertainty, planning wasn’t always easy. But maintaining a healthy routine is important, no matter what your circumstances, so that you can keep on top of your mental and physical health.
This is where planning can really help you succeed. From planning your meals to creating a workout schedule, you can get yourself back on track. You might have some bad habits to undo right now, but a schedule will soon help you get back into a good routine once again.
Stop relying on take-out and comfort food to give you a boost
With going out and seeing friends out of the question, it’s no surprise that food became an important source of comfort and entertainment. But too much indulging isn’t great for your health nor your waistline, so you might be left carrying a little more weight than you’d like.
Make a promise to rely less on food to give you a lift and embrace other experiences instead. Now that things have eased, you can make time for some of the other things that give you a lift, like going to the movies or seeing friends, to help you get that mood boost.
Take a sensible approach to weight loss
If you’re dealing with some weight gain from the past two years, you’re not alone. A lot of people acknowledge they’ve put on weight due to lifestyle changes during the pandemic. While you might be tempted to start a crash diet or try the latest weight loss fad, a more sensible and measured approach can help you get the best results.
Healthy eating and increased activity are essential for losing weight, but a lot of people can find they struggle to lose the weight they need. A weight loss clinic could help give you guidance and support where needed. Making some healthier choices can be easier when you’ve got some solid support behind you.
Be more active
Taking time to appreciate your couch and on-demand TV was one of the perks of lockdowns, but sometimes at the cost of physical activity. Daily activity is important to keep you strong and healthy, but many people struggled with their fitness once gyms shut their doors.
Getting back into working out after a break is challenging. The sooner you start, however, the better it will be. From walking more to finding ways to exercise each day, you’ll soon be able to bring fitness back into your routine, helping you feel more energized and healthier overall.
Spend more time outside during the day
The pandemic made it easy to stay at home for days at a time unless you had a dog or a reason to leave your home. But all that time at home meant missing out on the health benefits of being outdoors. From helping to regulate your body clock to relieving stress, a little time outside works wonders for your health.
Why not try walking more to see how your mental and physical health improves?
Get your social life back on track
Spending time with friends and family is one way to boost your happiness. Spending time with people who make you feel good will improve your self-esteem and could ease stress too. While your priorities might have changed since the pandemic, it’s a good idea to rediscover the things you love doing. Make some plans and start spending more time with the people you care about, doing things that make you happy.
Make changes at work if you’re struggling
Your work life might have changed drastically due to the pandemic. A lot of people are working from home permanently, while others might be rethinking their careers. If your work situation no longer challenges you or leaves you feeling stressed and anxious, then you should consider making changes. Life is too short to be stuck in a job or career you don’t enjoy, so if you can explore some other options, it’s worth having a look at what’s out there. Now is a good time to make a change and to go after something you really want for yourself.
The pandemic has no doubt had a lasting impact on every day, but that doesn’t mean you have to let it continue to impact your health. Creating some healthier habits and putting an end to some of your lockdown habits can help you get your mental and physical health back on track. It won’t happen overnight, but soon you’ll find a new routine for yourself. Reverse the effects of the pandemic and start putting your health first.
