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!