What the Pandemic Had Done to Your Body - And How to Fix It
You might not imagine what Covid-19 could do, as the long-term effects aren't well understood. Yet. You were strained, if not stressed, though. Blame it on the lockdown. You won't run out of excuses on how the transition (from university to remote learning) turns your world upside down - and you're still reeling from it. The situation narrowed your summer activities, and the limited movement bothered you. What action you must take?
You must recognize that your problems are quite similar to professionals adjusting to remote work. Remote learning can pose a huge challenge to disabled students, so you must be grateful for your current state. (You may not like Disney's plan to stream "Mulan". It might take years before you watch a movie on the big screen. Again.) Students with means can leave public schools, which can result in educational inequality. It may be a subject of a heated debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, but the pandemic would make China the top issue of the nation. And you can't send your phone on a trip. (Many Americans are having second thoughts about the vaccine, which prompts you to know the little details about your room. It might come helpful during that long night of studying.) The lockdown gave you an idea on how to kill the time. Which famous figures, dead or alive or real or fictional, would you want to be members of your "quaran-team"? You're thinking of Henry Jones, Jr. and his alter-ego, Indiana Jones. (Watching "Raiders of the Lost Ark" was an exhilarating experience, such that you looked for Indy's other adventures - on print.) You're also thinking of the younger, geeky Steven Spielberg, the director of "Raiders of the Lost Ark". And you remembered your tutor. He's a huge fan of Jules Verne. Your picks amused your course mates. The strain might be due to Netflix and/or long hours of aimless browsing of the Internet.
It's time for a pre-emotive action on problems that have - and haven't - surfaced.
What to Do About Problems That Have Been Bothering You
Blink occasionally. Your eyes are feeling the strain for some time. You're glued to your phone, not wanting to miss the social interaction (with your buddies). You're too close to the computer screen. You're watching TV for too long. It might not lead to permanent damage to your eyes. Yet. Blinking is your remedy. (Think of it as a miniature oil change to your eyes.) You can also limit your viewing to 30 minutes. And keep your distance.
Get away from the computer (or TV) screen. You're watching reruns from the sofa - and you've been slouching for quite some time. You're browsing the Internet from your iPad while lying in the bed. (You also read your friends' messages from your phone while lying in bed.) Doing it for longer hours can lead to back pain, which may affect your well being later. Create your own shutdown ritual, which would keep you from the computer (or TV).
Walk as much as possible. Lack of mobility is the cause of aching legs. You might be too young for varicose veins, but this lack of activity can lead to a deterioration of your legs sooner than you think. Walk as much as possible. You can achieve it by moving around your home as often as possible. (You won't run out of household chores, but make sure that you won't get exhausted too soon.) Wear a face mask when you go out and walk for half an hour or more. There are lots of decisions to be made for restless teenagers - and summer camp and friends beckoning. Common sense tells you not to stay out there for too long.
Set boundaries around coursework. Your stomach and your brain are in constant contact. The pandemic brought stress and anxiety, so the constant gut problem. A diet of fruits and vegetables might not good enough. Your mother's cooking would lift your spirit, though. This is one way to manage stress and anxiety. The new term could make it complicated, so know when to set boundaries. In other words, set time for the things that make your day (or anything to keep the blues away). Talk to the people you know, the ones who care about you. And plan your paper writing and reading later.
Stay hydrated. Stress and anxiety would affect your health, and it could show on your skin after touching it. Drink two liters of water per day.
<>Don't worry, be happy. No one anticipated the coronavirus outbreak, so the outcome would be the cause of mental distress. It also results in boredom. You can plan about next summer while keeping in mind that science and technology don't have all the answers. Yet. Let your family and friends know about it. They are likely to support it. Strive to be happy.
Have You Noticed Other Changes in Your Body?
If you notice other changes (other than the ones that have been enumerated), then consult a doctor. Don't ignore symptoms of respiratory illness and neurological issues. It may be more serious than you think. And a long sleep is a must.
