Our Healthy and Unhealthy Habits that Developed During the Coronavirus Pandemic

​Life during 2020 has been very challenging. We were forced to make changes to our routines that we weren’t expecting, we experienced significant losses, and we continue to live with unnatural, difficult, and scary circumstances that are in many ways beyond our control and without a clear end in sight. Researchers are studying how people around the world are thriving and preventing problems with depression, anxiety, stress, alcohol abuse, etc. that are becoming more common due to the pandemic, its effects, and coronavirus or health-related worries. How do people successfully cope? 

If we could time travel and someone from a different time stepped into 2020 (by accident, for sure) they would experience a dramatic cultural shock. While living in South America with local families for two months, I experienced cultural immersion. I noticed and appreciated different cultural customs, behaviors, and ways of life, such as placing a greater value upon relationships than upon keeping appointments and daily schedules. Upon returning to America/California, I found it challenging to maintain desirable values and habits as I returned back to my previous lifestyle. 

As we move into a new year, what are some of the good and bad habits that you and your family developed in this season of coronavirus? What would you like to maintain or change?

​Positive changes that occurred due to physical distancing, stay at home/work & learn from home, masking, and other stresses that came this year include:

• People developed new hobbies and skills or rediscovered old ones. They also exercised their creativity. Research shows this is a good way to manage mental health and boost confidence and self- esteem.
• People engaged in personal and professional development, such as online learning, exercising, reading, and cooking.

• ​People participated in volunteer work. This contributes to a sense of purpose, social connection, and joy in helping others.
• People started connecting with friends and family around the world using technology such as Zoom, video chat, and social media.

• People experienced and contributed to a greater sense of community through increased caring and kindness. Examples include asking if vulnerable loved ones need help getting groceries, supporting small businesses, and increased appreciation for essential workers.  There is a sense of “we are all in this together”, which didn’t exist pre-pandemic.
• Improved hand hygiene and attention to not spread one’s own germs.
• Learning how to be a pro at adaptation to change. (business operations, family routines, etc).
• Increased engagement of parents in their child’s education and development.

Bad habits that developed or re-introduced themselves during the pandemic include:

• Increased consumption of comfort foods (frequency and/or quantity), which tend to be high in carbohydrates (sugar) and fat.
• Heavy use of social media. Some of the downsides include worse mental coping due to high consumption of coronavirus related information and increased blue light exposure affecting sleep quality.
• Struggles to create a structured schedule- with a loss of productivity and a feeling of being in limbo. Side effects may include poorer sleep, skipped meals or increased snacking, forgetting to take medications, and not taking care of one’s well-being. Some also worked longer hours when working from home and didn’t have built in breaks such as commuting, grabbing coffee or lunch, and chatting with co-workers.
• Not exercising. Aside from the physical needs and benefits that result from regular exercise, exercise helps with energy, motivation, concentration, and stress/mood management.
• Increased use of alcohol and other substances.  

(Article reference: CentreSpringMD)

Koko Crater Trail (HI), a scary, dangerous, and seemingly impossible course.. much like 2020

​As we round the corner into a new and promising year... I hope to continue regular and proactive communications with friends and family via phone, Zoom, Marco Polo, and email- particularly with those who are not in close proximity. One area I would like to grow in is spending more time reading or connecting with people and less time watching tv/movies and viewing social media (which I confess increased during lockdown!).

What is one new habit or behavior from the past year you hope to maintain and one habit/behavior you would like to develop or change as we move into the new year? Write it down or share it with someone! 

​If the coronavirus has pushed you to your coping limits, get help before too much time passes. If you are thinking that you need help, don’t avoid it- now is the time! To call or email, click on the links. If you think that you are generally doing well but just need some extra support, you can also reference this handy coping guide from UCSF which is fairly thorough. 

Thank you for reading my post and being a part of the Sequoia Counseling blog community. It's been an honor to be a resource and I look forward to continue providing professional help in the new year.
I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas holiday and hope-filled 2021 !