I am 50 now. Very soon I turned 50. I am very grateful to this life and to Allah, the owner of life, for the lessons this life has taught me
Life changed dramatically for me in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world. Since then, I've seen lockdowns, economic downturns, work-from-home situations, travel bans, and more. Apart from this, the pandemic has made me realize the value of family and the importance of maintaining good mental and physical health. The global outbreak resulted in the closure of gyms, stadiums, pools, and fitness studios, meaning that many individuals could not actively participate in their regular individual or group fitness activities outside of their homes. This meant many of us had less physical activity, longer screen time, irregular sleep patterns as well as poor diets, leading to weight gain and poor mental health.
I am here to tell you about the health education that this pandemic has taught me:
Eat healthy to stay fit: Good health comes from what we eat every day. When people were getting sick or feeling weak after contracting the virus, we realized how important it is to eat healthily every day. Healthy foods, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, fiber, lean protein, and whole grains, help many people recover faster. So we need to include plenty of healthy foods in our diet to prevent nutritional deficiencies and build a strong immune system.
Exercise is a must: We also understand that regular physical activity and exercise are fundamental to our overall health. Along with controlling weight and blood cholesterol levels, exercise helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and cancer. Exercise strengthens our bones, joints, and muscles and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Also, it has a positive effect on our mood, energy levels, and sleep quality. Some of these are walking, swimming, outdoor games, dancing, and aerobics that you can do.
Housework is good for your mental health: Although no one likes to do housework, they still help us maintain good health. Sweeping, dusting, washing windows, cooking, and more are great for physical and mental well-being. According to experts, people who regularly engage in housework have a lower risk of chronic diseases, accidental falls, and immobility as they age.
Walk more: Thanks to restrictions on public and private transport during the pandemic, we have realized the importance of walking short distances. More walking not only promotes heart health and fitness but also improves mood, self-esteem, and sleep quality.
Home-cooked meals are best: This is probably the most important health lesson learned in 2021. When eateries were closed during the pandemic, we ate more fresh and healthy home-cooked meals instead of junk and high-calorie foods. Did you know that homemade food is much healthier research shows that when we prepare food at home, we focus on healthiness the most? We also tend to use less oil and choose healthier cooking methods like boiling, baking, and grilling. Home-cooked meals help boost energy levels, keep weight under control and promote our overall well-being.
Sleep is essential: During the pandemic, with bans on nights out and parties, we were going to bed on time and sleeping better. This is when we realize how a good night's sleep can improve our physical and mental health. Maintaining a healthy sleep schedule improves productivity and overall quality of life.
How do you manage stressful issues: It's 2021 and the pandemic has made us realize the importance of managing stress efficiently. When family members were getting infected and things were looking scary, stress levels rose. Therefore, it is important to practice meditation and do yoga or any form of exercise regularly. These activities can help improve mental health and reduce stress levels.
Cherish your loved ones: We are often very busy with our lives and rarely make time for our loved ones. The pandemic has made us realize how uncertain life can be and the importance of spending more time with our families. In addition, we have also realized that the support of our loved ones plays an important role in coping with stress and increasing mental well-being.
Although the year 2021 was rough due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it taught us many important lessons regarding health and lifestyle. The pandemic has given us the time and environment for self-reflection and realizing the importance of maintaining good mental and physical health. Wishing you all the best for 2022.