Break Bad Habits
Counter bad habits & indulgences developed due to COVID-19
Due to COVID-19 we continue to restrict our movement and go out only for essentials. We are in an unprecedented situation and doing our best to navigate this. During this time, it is natural to give in to some indulgences to cope with the monotony of our current life. However, such ‘regular’ indulgences may lead to prolonged bad habits and dependencies over time. What are such indulgences? What can we do to counter them?
1. Social media, TV binging & excessive screen time: With additional time on hand at home, it is easier to fall into a routine of constant TV watching or checking your mobile phone. For many, social media has become an outlet to reduce COVID-19 stress. However, for others it may be a source of additional stress and anxiety. With more people now pursuing online gaming, creators of online games have reported a jump in subscribers during COVID-19.
Counter: Try carving out a scheduled time to check social media and watch TV. Engage in a hobby, read a book, cook, and garden to occupy your time more productively.
2. Panic-eating: You may be indulging in overeating and turning towards comfort foods that are high in calorie density but low in nutrients. This is evident on social media with people sharing recipes and images of what people are eating and cooking during this period of lockdown and isolation. Comfort foods can make you feel good, by releasing neurotransmitters in the brain which interact with your mood and sense of well-being.
Counter: Eat foods you know are healthy for you. Avoid grabbing an extra snack just because it's there. If you do feel the need to snack, acknowledge the need and postpone your snack by 15-20 minutes by distracting yourself with another task. Chances are, you will no longer need that extra snack.
3. Smoking: Having more time on one’s hands during a pandemic gives rise to feelings of restlessness and anxiety. People who were smokers previously or have tried smoking/vaping/tobacco may fall back on these habits in an attempt to alleviate feelings of uncertainly and anxiety.
Counter: Educate yourself on smoking. It can lead to weakened lungs and increase your chances of contracting respiratory illnesses. Some simple tips to avoid smoking are: identify and remove things that trigger the urge to smoke, such as ashtrays and lighters; tell friends and family you are quitting so they can hold you accountable; view the period of physical distancing as a unique window of opportunity to concentrate on kicking the habit.
#Organize your day
While some might enjoy their time at home, others may feel lost and unproductive. People may feel overwhelmed and fall back on going into a ‘pause’ mode, leading to procrastination and unorganized days.
Counter: Create a plan and STICK to it! Schedule all the things you would like to do in your day. Include exercise and a time to switch off all screens at the end of the day. Use alarms and reminders to keep track of time and ensure you stop, take a break and reset.
Contributors: Ms. Yasmeen Kalverts, Ms. Raji Anand, Dr. Sohaila Cheema and Dr. Sathyanarayanan Doraiswamy
Editing: Mr. John Hayward