As people play it safe by confining to houses as much as possible to preempt the Covid-19 threat, their healthy lifestyle often goes for a toss. With time at their disposal, thanks to 'new normals' like ‘Work-at-Home’ and ‘Digital Learning’ practices, they tend to slow down the routine pace. Many fall into the binge-eating trap, sometimes out of boredom or at other times to comfort themselves of their anxieties, and become Obese in no time. Dr Divya Chauhan, noted Lifestyle Counselor and Wellness Coach, gives tips on how to get over the bad habit:-

 The Covid-19 has affected the lives of people all over the world like never before.  The lock down and related restriction on free movement is a dangerous environment for breeding habits like binge-eating – an eating disorder where a person feels compelled to overeat on a regular basis. In many cases, the need to self isolate is forcing people to rely on processed and canned food with longer shelf life. This results in an unexpected weight gain and their becoming Obese.

Unhealthy dietary habits: If earlier, people used to stick to a daily schedule, the new circumstances have resulted in many waking up late and straight away switching to work mode, often at the cost of breakfasts. The early brunch means frequent snacking in between and overeating later, besides having nocturnal eating episodes.

Detrimental lifestyle pattern: The lock down and subsequent ‘new normals’ have restricted the movement of people. Only a limited section is engaged in physical activities as technological advancements have enabled a majority to carry out works sitting at the comfort of their houses. The fear of the pandemic and the overexposure to news channels could affect their productivity, which in turn, can lead to depression.  Daytime sleepiness, sitting at one place for hours on, tiredness and mood swings, all these can lead to multiple health issues while compromising one’s immunity.

Tackle it wisely

Here are a few tips to enjoy a good physical and mental health at these difficult times:-

Enlist daily journal:

The habit of maintaining a daily journal will help shed light on exactly what you are consuming and to avoid “pea-brained eating”. Slowly wean off the bad eating habits once you recognize them.

Find out what’s behind your cravings: Take a look at what is behind the intense craving, is it due to low energy, high stress, sadness, lack of sleep, overwork or a habitual tendency?

Find a support system: When dealing with these issues, one can definitely feel lonely. Find someone to talk & listen to your issues. Remember, you need someone to listen to and not give advice over and over.

Follow Ayurvedic remedies: The holistic medical science has a wide variety of self-care techniques that will complement these changes and aid in the healing of the body, mind and soul from such addictions. For instance, the practice of Abhyanga (oil massage) before bath. Also, exercise your stress & food cravings away with Yoga, Pranayama and Meditation.

Create a Worry window: Our mental and physical health is intimately intertwined, with the two influencing each other. Set up a specific time that allows you to think about the happenings around you. Also limit the exposure of bad news and free yourself for other things the rest of your day. Focus on the things you hear, touch, feel and speak that spark positive thoughts.

Social-distancing & not social-isolation: Connect! Connect! Connect! A virtual presence is better than anything. If you are alone, let people know you are alone. Reach out! Check out on people you have not heard from in a while via a text, call or video connection.

Maintain a sleep schedule: Following a consistent sleep schedule, wake up and go to bed time, daily can help one to have a sound sleep and enjoy a better mind frame. Many experience sleep difficulties due to anxiety during the pandemic.

Seek professional help: Reach out to experts and seek their guidance if your mental health is impacted by the pandemic crisis. Don’t be shy to check out the comprehensive list of resources to find a professional service that meets your needs.

Unlike Diabetes or Hypertension, Obesity can’t be brought under control quickly once people begin to move out upon the virus threat thinning out in the future. One will be better off by investing in early preventive measures. If we don't somehow stem the tide of Obesity, we're going to have a huge problem. And it may put the younger population at risk too!