The coronavirus pandemic is an unprecedented crisis that overwhelmed healthcare sectors worldwide. As doctors and researchers struggled to find a cure, economic activity ground to a halt, with billions taking refuge indoors. How does one fight an enemy one can’t see?
The human race fought with resilience, as it has fought against numerous pandemics, viruses, and diseases for centuries. Despite all our technological advancements and inventions, a novel virus brought the world to its knees. It highlighted existing inequalities, injustices, and unhealthy habits within our lifestyles, social welfare systems, and communities.
With vaccine drives in full spring worldwide, there’s hope that the pandemic will blow over soon. But what changes are necessary for us post-pandemic? Below we explore lifestyle changes we all must embrace to nurture ourselves and Mother Earth.
Healthy Diet & Nutrition Intake
Medical research reveals that the novel coronavirus is more likely to prey on people with vulnerable and weak immune systems. The same applies to people having chronic illnesses, infections, common colds, and other afflictions.
A weak immune system makes us a host for all kinds of diseases and vulnerabilities. The pandemic has highlighted the need for fresh produce and a nutritious diet to regulate our mental and physical wellbeing.
Diets rich in packaged foods, GMOs, and trans fat are the leading cause behind weak immunity and health risk factors. Moving forward, we must all embrace diets brimming with essential nutrients, healthy fats, minerals, and antioxidants to build bodily strength.
Raise Health Awareness
The pandemic’s novelty created uncertainty, and we all sought refuge in medical literature to gain information. The coronavirus has given birth to a culture of awareness – a culture we must uphold and pass onto future generations.
It’s crucial to explore epidemiology journals and research to learn more about diseases and infections that make us vulnerable. But one might wonder; what is epidemiology? It’s the study of diseases, infections, and health risks concerning specific communities and populations. Even if a medical career doesn’t appeal to you, it’s crucial to seek information to elevate your life.
Learning about health risks concerning your family and loved ones can help you build preventive care regimes to reduce risk factors. Raising health awareness in our family and community is of the utmost significance to bring positive change.
Regular Exercise Regime
We all dreamt of working from the comfort of our couches, with our feet propped against the coffee table. However, we all grew weary and lethargic when this much-awaited dream finally came true. A sedentary lifestyle is a sickness that takes over the body and mind, rendering us discouraged and depressed.
It’s crucial to build a habit of exercising to release serotonin and happiness-inducing endorphins in the brain. Regular exercise builds immunity and strength and regulates our mood to boost productivity levels. The pandemic encouraged us to embrace physical activities we had given up in the pressures of modern-day life.
For some, it’s their high school love for basketball, whereas others reembraced their passion for running and nature hiking. It’s essential to continue enjoying the physical activities you love, be it dancing or jogging.
Be Mindful of your Mental Wellbeing
The coronavirus pandemic made us vulnerable and mentally upset by depriving us of all social support systems and our loved ones. Isolation, loneliness, and solitude gave rise to depression, anxiety, and stress. The pandemic was stressful for all of us; while many struggled, others sought refuge in yoga, meditation, and creativity.
Moving forward, we must all look after our mental wellbeing as diligently as we take care of our bodies. Eating healthy and exercising is crucial, alongside listening to ourselves and resolving issues that bother us. We must take the initiative to help and encourage others to seek help when we see them struggling.
Combat Climate Change
Are we naive enough to believe that the pandemic didn’t take its roots from climate change? If that’s true, then we are sowing the seeds for another pandemic and natural catastrophes.
Research reveals that the causes of climate change, such as air pollution and deforestation, give rise to pandemics and health risks. Deforestation gives rise to habitat loss, compelling animals to migrate. These animals carry bacteria and germs, which are transmitted to human communities and settlements when they migrate.
Did you know that vast livestock farms are a significant cause of infections spilling over from animals to humans? More importantly, how can we counter these risk factors? As consumers, we must prioritize brands that promote sustainable practices, from animal husbandry to fashion and retail. As community members and citizens, we must combat deforestation and air pollution.
Fighting climate change with responsible action will reduce the risk factors of healthcare emergencies and infectious diseases.
Conclusion
The pandemic was a challenging and terrifying journey into oblivion and uncertainty. However, as we walk towards a brighter future, we must vow to give back to our communities. We must make efforts to uplift and empower each other through our kindness, compassion, and care.
As neighbors, we can check on our community members and do our part in uplifting those in need. As consumers, we must compel brands and large conglomerates to abandon environmentally damaging practices that give rise to climate change. As citizens, we must demand equality and social justice in the healthcare arena to improve accessibility for all.
We must take collective action to ensure the human race isn’t overwhelmed by another pandemic moving forward.
