The lifestyle of all of us changed after Corona. In this era, we had to live with restrictions, fears, and news of successive deaths and somehow adapt to them; The adaptability cost us the cost of lack of sleep, inactivity, bad eating, and constant following heartbreaking news. But now that we have passed the peak of this epidemic, it is time to think about leaving these harmful habits and starting a healthier life.
1. Overeating or undereating
The lack of some food products during the epidemic was one of the factors that changed our eating habits. On the other hand, social distancing forced us to stay at home for a long time, which had no result except fatigue and bulimia, and anxiety directly affected our appetite and made us hungry or full. Some even turned to consuming more sugar and unhealthy eating behaviors to deal with this stress.
Overeating, consuming snacks, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, binge eating, or even filling were among the common behaviors of this era as a coping mechanism. Even a large number of people turned to diets to control weight, which indicated their stress, depression, and mental challenges due to the conflicts of the Corona era.
What is the solution?
- Never have ready-made food at home.
- Prepare and consume food in moderation.
- Go for more fruits, vegetables, and whole foods.
- Instead of sugar and caffeine, eat fruits and nuts and drink water. (Sometimes, false hunger can be solved by drinking a glass of water.)
- Incorporate meditation, exercise, and mental health exercises into your daily schedule to help prevent binge eating or binge eating.
2. Skipping breakfast
Waking up late and combining breakfast and lunch is one of the results of long night wakings during the Corona era. No meal is unimportant, but breakfast is substantial because it provides the fuel the body needs to start the day. On the other hand, those with a habit of eating breakfast struggle less with problems such as blood sugar imbalance and perform better in cognitive tests.
What is the solution?
Trying to wake up early solves this problem to a large extent. Start your morning with sources of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fiber so that you have enough energy throughout the day, and over time you have prevented severe diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s.
3. Laziness and immobility
Corona opened up our time for exercise, but with the closure of most gyms, if anyone wanted to exercise, it was not possible; On the one hand, it was necessary to have sports equipment at home, and on the other hand, the iron will of individual exercise, in addition to depression and anxiety, which reduced the motivation to move. This homestay was harmful even for sports people and made them exercise less than usual. According to the findings of the researchers, general inactivity in the first few months of the Coronavirus could have caused nearly 11 million people to develop type 2 diabetes.
What is the solution?
- Start with walking, which is the most accessible form of exercise.
- Do not take cars and public transport for short distances.
- Start exercise classes.
- Get away from your desk as much as you can. After sitting for an hour, your body must stand up and walk for a few minutes.
4. Addiction to fast food
During the Corona era, the fear of fast food contamination reduced people’s visits to these food suppliers, but the consumption of snacks and fast food at home increased. As if staying home killed the taste and patience of cooking, most people preferred to prepare quick and ready meals. This habit remained strong even after the end of the epidemic in many Iranian homes.
What is the solution?
Did you know that reducing consumption and the harmful effects of fast food will prolong your life? Instead of filling yourself with sweets and sandwiches and high-fat and high-cheese foods, devote enough time and energy to meal planning and include a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains in your diet.
5. Exercise without reason or motivation
During the epidemic, we read and heard everywhere that we should never give up exercise. This advice helped us stay healthy during the pandemic, provided us with the energy needed, and helped fill idle time. But if the habit of exercising too much is still with you after Corona or you don’t enjoy it, it’s time to give it up.
What is the solution?
A sport that is only for maintaining health and you don’t enjoy doing it has no result except physical pain and mental fatigue. Have an activity but a move that makes your soul happy and your body energetic, gives you a feeling of strength, and is in harmony with your personality, skills, and schedule. The more balanced the exercises are, the more helpful they are.
6. Screen time
Smartphones are addictive, and this is no secret. Most of us spent dead hours on our phones, tablets, and laptops during the Corona period. We shopped online, chatted with our friends, wandered through social media, and escaped the stressful life of those times any way we could. This habit has penetrated our lives and is difficult to leave. The result is anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, weight gain, and eating disorders.
What is the solution?
Set a time limit for cell phone use, so you know when to put it down. A better solution is to ban its use in different situations. For example, you can prohibit its use in the bedroom or dinner table.
7. Sleeping with a mobile phone
We all know that the blue light from smartphones disrupts sleep quality. Also, checking personal messages and work emails immediately before bed causes stress and anxiety in a person’s life, which stays with him throughout the night.
What is the solution?
The mobile phone is outside the bedroom. Strictly implement this rule at home and make family members accustomed to it. In this way, instead of spending before and after sleep (the golden hours of the day) in the news of the digital world, you will have the opportunity to meditate and relax for a few minutes.
8. Insomnia, lack of sleep, and excessive sleep
Apart from the Coronavirus’s impact on sleep quality, according to research, the epidemic period hurt the quality of sleep of almost 40% of people. The hustle and bustle of schools and offices changed our regular sleep schedule, and the long night wakings made it challenging to wake up. At the same time, our body and mind need enough sleep to function correctly and prevent diseases.
What is the solution?
Do not wait for sleep at night when you are tired. Go to bed at a particular time every night and practice relaxation techniques before that. Meditation, conscious breathing, and mindfulness are helpful exercises to relax the body before sleep. You can prepare a particular sleep program and wearable gadget to be more aware of your sleep status.
Observing sleep hygiene tips such as turning off electronic devices and making the bedroom dark and quiet will improve your sleep quality.
9. Telephone communication instead of face-to-face
Corona quarantine forced us to constantly see, hear and read from the moment we wake up until we look at each other and watch movies, series, and funny clips instead of human interactions. But if you are still running away from human communication after Corona, think of a solution!
What is the solution?
Try relaxation and meditation. Rest allows you to renew your physical, emotional, and spiritual energy, and meditation prepares the mind for concentration. By strengthening self-awareness skills, you can resume pre-corona relationships and prepare yourself for new connections.
10. Excessive caffeine consumption
Home quarantine forced many employees to work remotely, resulting in long night shifts and staying awake with coffee and caffeine. Even though Corona is almost gone, it is hard for many of us to give up coffee and return to normal. This harmful habit causes heart palpitations, anxiety, upset stomach, frequent urination, and insomnia.
What is the solution?
According to the US Food and Drug Administration report, 400 mg of caffeine per day (4 to 5 cups of coffee) is allowed for adults. If you’re used to consuming more than this amount during the pandemic, fuel up with exercise, regular sleep, drinking plenty of water, and a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, nuts, and healthy oils.
last word
Identifying bad habits during the Corona era is the first step to eliminating them. In this article, we introduced ten harmful practices, such as insomnia, overeating, inactivity, and screen addiction, and reviewed how to deal with them. We hope that reading this article will push you to change the lifestyle of the Corona days and return to the flow of everyday life.
Which of these behaviors have you not yet left? Do you know another way to get rid of them?
Warning! This article is only for educational purposes; to use it, it is necessary to consult a doctor or specialist.
