Here are several reasons why people’s health may be declining, and how to prevent these habits from wreaking havoc on your health and immune system.
Photo used for representational purpose.
Although lockdowns have been implemented to improve people’s health (in regards to the COVID-19 outbreak); the reality is many people who are now working from home have experienced a deterioration in health.
Below are several reasons why people’s health may be declining, and how to prevent these habits from wreaking havoc on your health and immune system.
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Posture
For those now working long hours from the comfort of their own home -- this may initially seem like a bonus, however it may not be the case for their posture.
Many people who don’t invest in comfortable chairs and desks, as well as failing to pay attention to their posture when sitting, can develop a hunch.
This not only is a drawback for aesthetics, but it can also negatively affect blood vessels, as well as impacting the spine, causing tension in the neck area and increasing the frequency of headaches.
Being aware of how you’re sitting, and making sure the desk is at the correct level is advised; as well as performing stretches throughout the day to loosen the muscles.
Sunlight
When people travel to work, they naturally spend ample time outside during their breaks, thus walking short distances or sitting in the sunlight.
However, when working from home there is no need to be outside, which can result in vitamin D levels dropping dramatically. Thus, make it a habit to take breaks in the garden, walk the dog or do some exercises when the sun is out.
Vitamin D is crucial for a fully functioning immune system; and the sun is the best, natural source for this vitamin.
Some people take vitamin D supplements, however their effectiveness is up for debate.
Exercise
Many people have piled on the pounds since lockdowns have been implemented, due to a forced sedentary lifestyle.
Jack Craig, personal trainer at Inside Bodybuilding, says: “It’s more important than ever before to exercise, not just to strengthen the immune system but to keep the body moving and calorie expenditure as high as possible. Without such exercise, eating in a calorie surplus will become easier and people’s weight is going to shoot up”.
Effective home workouts can be performed, even with minimal amounts of equipment, and you don’t need to hire a virtual personal trainer either. A quick search on YouTube can give you a great workout involving mostly bodyweight movements, thus an expensive home gym also isn’t compulsory.
Outside exercises (especially running) is also advised to increase your BMR and prevent the number on the scales shooting up.
Mental Health
Not being able to socialize and interact with colleagues, and being at home all day, is going to affect mental health to a notable degree.
Exercising and making sure you spend enough time outdoors (even if in the garden), can make a huge difference to feel good neurotransmitters; such as dopamine and serotonin.
Being around spouses for many more hours than usual, may also lead to increased tension and arguments, thus it is important to have some relaxation time by yourself where possible.
Prayer, meditation, hot baths or listening to relaxing music can help to de-stress those who feel overwhelmed with now having to work from home (which especially can be stressful with young children at home).
Bad Eating Habits
It’s a lot easier to develop bad eating habits when at home, as you will be less keen to eat poor food choices in front of your work colleagues each day. This is especially true if the cupboards are filled with sugary snacks, which can result in frequent visits to the kitchen.
This is quite a different scenario to packing a lunch box and going out to work each day.
Furthermore, working from home can result in more people purchasing takeaways in the afternoon or evening, as a more sedentary lifestyle is contagious and may result in less cooking and meals being freshly made.
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