During these days when most of us find ourselves confined to our homes, we are susceptible to a variety of experiences, ranging from physical to emotional and mental. Despite the inconveniences of being in lockdown, many of us agree that it is also a great opportunity for introspection, to connect with ourselves and with our loved ones. In this article, we will discuss the problems of COVID-19 lockdown and its solutions.
Problems of COVID-19 Lockdown and its Solutions
It is natural that changing our daily routines can lead to issues such as circulatory problems, including fluid retention and/or cramps in the lower limbs. This happens because we are not moving ourselves as much as before. Even those of us who are used to walk a lot or exercise regularly now spend more hours than desired sitting on the couch.
What Can You Do?
We encourage you to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. These days, you can find plenty of excellent online options, including exercise or yoga programs, to practice alone or with your family. It’s not only entertaining but also very healthy and will significantly improve your blood circulation.
It’s also important to take alkaline minerals such as magnesium and potassium in your diet, as they will help prevent those annoying and painful cramps. Check out our previously published article on magnesium and its three allies.
A great option is celery juice with lemon and a pinch of powdered mineral salts. This helps eliminate water retention since celery is highly diuretic and purifying.
Sleeping Problems
Feeling stress and/or anxiety are normal responses to situations of imminent danger or the perception of it. These emotions create an internal state of alertness and activation needed to face threats, find solutions, escape or defend oneself, in one word, fight or flight.
This activation, involving the sympathetic nervous system and the release of catecholamines, mobilizes resources for survival but is incompatible with sleep.
Our current situation—confinement, fear of infection and lack of physical activity—contributes to increase anxiety. When these emotions persist over time, they can lead to psychophysiological problems like insomnia. Ironically, poor sleep further raises anxiety levels.
What Can You Do?
Here are some simple tips to help you feel more relaxed and improve your sleep during this period:
- Practice conscious breathing rhythmically to calm your heart and mind.
- Meditate with positive visualizations; there are plenty of resources available online.
- Practice yoga, a time-tested practice with many benefits for the mind and body.
- Get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily to activate and oxygenate your body. Exercise releases endorphins, the happiness hormones, calms the mind and creates a wonderful sense of well-being.
- Have a lighter dinner, as heavy meals can interfere with your sleep.
- Consider taking supplements containing magnesium, an excellent muscle relaxant that induces deep sleep.
Drink a relaxing herbal tea at night, such as one with lemon balm, lemongrass, linden, valerian or passionflower to help you sleep better.
Overeating
Anxiety-driven eating is a classic issue that can lead to weight gain.
As mentioned earlier, one of the problems that may arise during forced confinement is anxiety. Many people cope with anxiety by turning to food.
During this period, people worry about the future and the uncertainty of the situation. Food serves as a distraction and a way to mask feelings of distress. This is known as emotional eating—eating not out of hunger but as a response to unprocessed emotions. Boredom can also lead to overeating.
As a result, people may feel guilty, in addition to gaining weight.
What Can You Do?
- First, try to avoid or eliminate sugar, sugary foods and refined or processed carbohydrates. These are highly addictive, spike blood sugar levels, and cause constant cravings.
- Include nutritious and filling foods like vegetables, fruits, and resistant starch-rich foods such as previously cooked and cooled potatoes or lentils. Resistant starch is not only satiating and non-fattening but also an excellent prebiotic that supports gut health, essential for a robust immune system.
- Aim to do at least 30 minutes of physical exercise daily.
Anxiety from Being Confined at Home
Beyond the previously mentioned issues, simply being confined at home with little to no opportunity to go outside can lead to discouragement, apathy and sadness. Being locked in can block the mind and make us feel insecure.
Isolation can also foster fear and worry, as we are inherently social beings.
If you live alone, I recommend staying virtually connected with your loved ones and friends. If you are with family or a partner, this is an extraordinary time to connect and share.
In addition to the activities mentioned earlier, this is a good time to seek help from a trusted therapist or psychologist who can support and guide you through this process.
Lastly, laugh as much as possible. Laughter is a balm like no other.
From Threat to Opportunity
As discussed in the points above, this period of confinement has many distressing aspects, as we witness widespread illness and death, the closure of schools, the collapse of healthcare systems and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty.
However, no matter how dark it may seem, there is always another side. As the famous Monty Python song goes, “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.” We can find positive aspects of this situation and see it as an opportunity. Light always follows the tunnel, and during this journey, we can learn valuable lessons that can help transform our lives for the better.
Many people have long wished for a break from their hectic lives to enjoy time for themselves without the pressure of work.
This is a precious moment for introspection, to appreciate the good things in life, to focus on what truly matters and to connect with family and friends—even if only virtually.
During this time of confinement, we have all witnessed how nature is regenerating itself, which in itself is a miracle. We are one with nature and without it, we cannot survive. Let’s care for it with love and dedication.
