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A global pandemic is any form is an uninvited guest. And COVID-19 has, by far, overstayed its visit.
But since this disease does not seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, people are coming up with different ways to live with it.
Fortunately, this pandemic took place in an age of technology, so practices like working from home, digital payment services, online shopping, etc. are taking care of part of the problem. Most governments are also taking stock of the healthcare systems. But what about our wellness?
Wellness vs. health
Health revolves around infirmities and, by extension, the presence or absence of a disease. Wellness, on the other hand, has more to do with the physical and mental wellbeing.
As defined by the Wisconsin-based National Wellness Institute, wellness is ‘an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence’.
The pandemic impact
A massive healthcare crisis as it is, the COVID-19 pandemic has also dealt a severe blow to peoples’ wellbeing in general. Amid crumbling economies, loss of jobs and stay-at-home orders, even those who aren’t falling victim to the disease are suffering in terms of wellness.
According to a recent National Health Interview Survey in US, the average share of adults who reported anxiety and/or depressive disorder rose from 11 per cent in the January-June 2019 period to 41 per cent in January 2021.
The report further showed that one in every two individuals surveyed was struggling with anxiety disorder. It is worth noting that women with children are more likely to be suffering from anxiety as compared with men with children.
The pandemic has indeed deepened our worries. With the negative financial consequences it has brought along, adults are reporting more symptoms of mental illnesses in the light of job losses and stressed incomes than they did in pre-pandemic times.
© Kalkine Image 2021
Embracing Wellbeing Amid COVID
While times are hard, one way to tackle the pandemic head one is by taking care of ourselves, both body and mind-wise. It is time we pair those vitamin supplements with things like meditation, healthy meals, sleep and family time.
Also, in a bid to count the few blessings in this time of crisis, let us remember that less crowds and traffics outside has brought down pollution levels in many cities around the world.
Ensuring Wellbeing with simple ways
Government brochures have been promoting tips and tricks for wellness in many countries. A few such tips would be:
- doing away with sedentary behavior
- maintaining a healthy weight and diet
- taking care of your metabolism, etc.
A few ways to these into practice would be exercising, gardening, meditation, etc.
And while meeting up with family and friends in person might not be a good idea, keeping in regular touch is also likely to lift spirits. At the end of the day, wellness revolves around developing positive social habits and handling stress with a more determined approach.
