Learning From the Pandemic

Although pleasing, many of the newly formed pandemic habits have not been good for our health.

Mom was right: when you look good, you feel better. So take a shower daily again, comb your hair and put on clean clothes; you really will feel better and have more energy.

The lack of physical exercise during the pandemic also has been bad for our health. It’s increased the risk of added pounds, higher blood pressure and even earlier mortality!

Whenever you begin easing back into your “new norm,” follow these five tips for better health:

• Get chilly with it. As evenings begin to get cooler this fall, don’t immediately turn on the furnace. Keeping your house a bit chillier than 72 degrees helps to burn fat, plus decreases your utility bill.
• Do something new. Aging adults sometimes wonder why they can recall activities 40 years ago, yet have no clue what they did last week. That’s not necessarily a memory issue – that’s boredom! Much of what we remember from our childhood or college days were new or “firsts” – our first kiss, our first car accident, joining a club, making new friends and more. If your weekly activities are the same day after day, you aren’t making memorable occasions (literally!).
• Completely unplug. Constant noise from the TV, computer games and other devices is not good for your brain; rather, it causes stress hormones to be released. Sitting quietly can have a fast impact – even if it’s only for 10 or 15 minutes before you go to sleep. Enjoy silence.
• Walk (much!) more. Elevators. Cars. Shuttle services. Today’s world tempts us to walk as little as possible. That adds to obesity and contributes to other health issues, increasing our risk of premature death by up to 30%! When you can, park father away from your destination and take the stairs to increase your exercise every single day.
• Go off grid. Nature truly is healing. Studies have shown if you spend 20 minutes in nature three times per week, such as at a nearby park or even sitting in your tree-lined backyard, you can improve your overall health tremendously due to reduced levels of stress. The average American spends 93% of life indoors!

Here’s wishing you improved health by breaking any bad habits you may have formed while cooped up during the past several months.