Aside from the disease itself, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the health of millions as it disrupted healthy routines. Many people have gained weight and increased alcohol consumption amid stressful conditions.
The lockdowns had a significant impact on people's life. Alcohol sales soared, physical activity plummeted, and comfort eating to cope with stress resulted in weight gain, according to a report by Newswise.
In a WW poll of the general public, 72% of respondents said they gained more weight during quarantine than during the holidays. Another survey for the protein powder manufacturer Naked Nutrition indicated that 65 percent of individuals surveyed took time off from working out while on lockdown. And according to a national Blue Cross Blue Shield survey, alcohol consumption has jumped by 23% since the pandemic began.
After dealing with the pandemic lifestyle for two years, the effects of the unhealthy habits go on as many people got used to them per NPR. For experts who are studying behavior change, this issue is not surprising. Katy Milkman of the University of Pennsylvania, and author of the book How To Change, say pandemic habits may be hard to break because we are aware that when a "shock" arises and forces behavior to change for a prolonged period, "there tend to be carryover effects because we're sticky in our behaviors.
Ditch the Unhealthy Habits
Kicking unhealthy habits may be challenging, but it is not impossible. Here are some tips on how to reboot your healthy lifestyle:
Moderate alcohol consumption- Even if your drinking is within the healthy range of one glass a day for women or two for men, this new habit can veer toward unhealthy territory if it's causing you distress or interfering with your life, according to Rachel Goldman, a licensed psychologist and clinical assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at New York University's Grossman School of Medicine in New York City.
Ask yourself if the fact that you're drinking more bothers you and if this habit is interfering with your productivity. Is it causing you to miss any meetings or deadlines? She suggests that you're using alcohol as a coping mechanism, which isn't healthy behavior. She recommends reflecting and identifying "what is going on at the moment" and then asking yourself "how you might handle it healthfully" since thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected.
She also stated that if you're unsure whether or not your new habit is harmful, it most likely is.
Be Kind to Yourself
Practice Self-Compassion - Consider your mindset to get back on track with your workout program, according to Foster, saying that to stay committed in a wellness journey, "self-compassion" is essential.
As per Today, instead of berating yourself for your bad habits, accept that routines are subject to change when life throws you a curveball. Consider it a part of the non-linear qualities of progress rather than a setback, said Gary Foster, the chief scientific officer for WW.
Then, make a list of very clear and attainable goals. According to him, this step is vital to creating a habit.
Trust in yourself and keep going - There's a body of science to back up the idea that we're more likely to achieve our goals if we have to give up something if we don't stick to our plan.
The 'fresh start' effect has shown that there are moments in our lives that feel like new beginnings, including the start of spring, which is approaching. Milkman says. She proposes that you take advantage of the change in the season. According to her findings, having a "new start" mindset can help us get started - and keep going.
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