Finding your place of zen
As we spend more and more time cooped up indoors during the lockdown, lifestyle adjustments become necessary. These are four common questions answered for lifestyle in the lockdown days
How can productivity be maximised while working from home during the lockdown?
In the light of the COVID-19 pandemic driven lockdown, we are all at home, bound by four walls. Though work from home initially sounded relaxing, people soon realised that they could become their own worst enemy in this routine! The secret to enhancing productivity during the lockdown is to have a structured work from home schedule.
In order to put this routine into action, wake up closer to sunrise. Not only will this maximise your day but it will also give you enough time to set daily goals and achieve them too. Research shows that waking early also uplifts your mood and positivity.
Have a designated workspace. Don't work from the bed or couch. Bad posture results in eye strain, headaches and reduced productivity.
Have fixed meal timings and stay well hydrated throughout the day. This stabilises blood sugar levels, prevents migraines and keeps you mentally alert while working.
Make sure your daily routine includes quality family time. This will help balance personal and professional life and help you relax.
I feel my water intake has reduced at home, what are some of the ways I can improve it?
For many, drinking water regularly becomes a challenge when at home. Water is non-negotiable for optimum metabolic activity, immunity building and cellular functioning. If you are the type who 'forgets' to drink water, use technology to your advantage. There are many water reminder apps that could assist you with regular reminders. You may also work towards building a habit of drinking a glass of water every hour. This will ensure you are well hydrated throughout the day.
Flavour the water with lemon juice, lemon zest, mint leaves, lemongrass, grated ginger, cucumber or orange slices. Sip on this water regularly to feel refreshed. In addition to water, you may even use healthy drinks like buttermilk, 'sattu', lemonade, 'sharbats' or herbal concoctions to stay hydrated.
What are some healthy snack options for this lockdown time?
If the lockdown is leading to more trips to the kitchen or fridge than normal, it's time to revamp your snack cupboard. Make sure you don't skip meals, doing this will only make you binge on wrong choices later. Have regular breakfast, lunch and dinner. For snacks, include fruits, cucumbers, carrots, lemonade, coconuts, nuts and seeds, roasted chana, makhana, roasted unsalted peanuts. Even lentil-based 'cheelas' and sprouts are healthy options. These options ensure a provision of hydration, fibre, essential fats, proteins and are packed with key micronutrients to boost your immunity. In contrast, processed snacks like sugary drinks, savoury snacks, chips, biscuits and the likes are loaded with sugar, sodium, trans fats and are devoid of fibre. These play havoc on your hormonal health, blood pressure, blood sugar and immune function.
With work from home and online classes, our screen time has increased. What measures should be taken in such a scenario?
One of the most common negative side effects of technology is strain to the eyes. With WFH and online classes, our exposure to digital screens and online devices has increased during the lockdown. Excessive screentime leads to eye dryness, irritation, fatigue, blurry vision, headaches, and eyestrain.
Practice the following rules to prevent and reduce these symptoms.
Keep your distance: The eyes actually have to work harder to see close up than far away. Try keeping the monitor or screen at arm's length, about 25 inches away
Keep eyes moist: Keep artificial tears or any saline eye drops at hand to help lubricate your eyes frequently. Use these drops regularly at bedtime.
Gadget Curfew: There is evidence that blue light may affect the body's circadian rhythm, our natural wake and sleep cycle. During the day, blue light wakes us up and stimulates us. So, too much blue light exposure late at night from your phone or other devices may make it harder to get to sleep. Sleep is crucial for repair and recovery. A gadget curfew 60 minutes or at least 30 minutes before bedtime, will help maintain your body's healing powers.
Entertainment: Give rest to your eyes during breaks. Listen to music or simply rest with your eyes closed rather than straining them further.
Follow the 20/20/20 Rule: Take a break every 20 minutes by looking at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Looking into the distance allows your eyes to relax.
Send your questions to behealthinformed@gmail.com
