The COVID-19 pandemic forces millions of people to stay at home more. Everything was closed and we had to learn to live on our own. This has a huge negative effect on our social lives, the economy and our personal career goals, but so many people have chosen this moment as an opportunity for self-improvement. But is it the top trend? Scientists at the University of Glasgow and the University of the West of Scotland found that lockdown leads to poor health choices for many people.
An empty office is one of the symbols of the COVID-19 lockdown. And many people dream of returning to work. Image credit: IAEA Imagebank via Wikimedia (CC BY 2.0)
There is no doubt that COVID-19 times are very difficult. They are tense with many unknowns. Gyms are closed and a lot of people have to teach themselves how to exercise at home. Social ties were broken and so we learned to socialize online. However, scientists compared COVID-19 restrictions and their effects on health habits in Scotland and Japan and found that car confinement has more bad effects than good on lifestyle. healthy.
Scientists found that in terms of health habits, Japanese society is more stable because the ban is not too strict. Meanwhile, tight restrictions in Scotland have resulted in people changing their health behaviors negatively – people are less physically active, have poorer sleep, feel isolated. than. Interestingly, people with children at home ate more junk food. More time spent cooking doesn’t mean people actually enjoy healthier homemade meals. Additionally, the scientists found that poor health choices during downtime equated to a worse mood. This is linked to more alcohol consumption and poor sleep habits.
As we may be headed for another COVID-19 season or at least another imminent pandemic, scientists say we should find ways to support public health during those difficult times. so that people do not succumb to unhealthy behaviors.
Dr Christopher Hand, co-author of the study, said: “Although different styles of confinement in each country lead to different behavioral patterns and moods, what is clear are management efforts. The pandemic has impacted different people in different but significant ways. Our data suggests we need to support positive changes to health behavior to facilitate individual and national pandemic recovery.”
Also, scientists say that going back to the office is not a bad idea for some people. Many people just feel isolated and being in the office with your co-workers can certainly help. Although the exact balance will be different for everyone.
You should promise yourself now – if another lockdown is coming, you won’t get caught up in your couch. You will move, you will socialize and you will get a good night’s sleep.
Source: University of Glasgow
