How lockdown is affecting our health

It’s safe to say, for most of us, coronavirus has impacted our life in a big way. From talk of a new virus emerging in the east, to whispers of a global pandemic, to months of dystopian lockdowns. It’s an unprecedented event we’ve adapted to as a society in a dizzyingly short time. But adapt we have. We’re strong, and we can overcome hardship—though not without a fight.

Being at home constantly and socially isolated is taking its toll on our physical and mental health. This is nothing to be ashamed about. We’re all in the same boat.

What boat?

We’re binge eating & drinking

Why lockdown has caused us to eat more and increase our alcohol consumption is complex. Our first lockdown and experience with the Government’s furlough scheme went from spring into summer.

Whilst we couldn’t travel around, most will admit, it was a novelty being given free time to potter in sunny gardens, get stuck into DIY, improve our baking skills, and start creative projects. For a while, before the novelty wore off and the breeze turned icy, there was a holiday atmosphere. It felt right to treat ourselves more often to our favourite tipples and snacks.

As the coronavirus saga has continued with pervasive uncertainty, the indulgence of the summer has become a crutch for autumn. We’re now eating and drinking to dull stress. This is understandable, as together, we’re undergoing a collective trauma unheard of in peace time.

We’re exercising much less

With the Government’s “stay at home” directive and social distancing in place, gyms, team sports, and fitness classes are off the table. It’s true these are far from the only ways to exercise, but they offer stability, support, and socialisation. Many of us are spending prolonged periods confined to our homes, without the encouragement or freedom to exercise.

During coronavirus, our physical activity has dropped by a quarter. As a result, we’re not feeling our best. We’re not getting the antidepressant and energy boosting qualities of exercise, just when we need it the most.

We’re missing our family & friends

Video calls and instant messaging are a wonder of modern technology, though they cannot contend with au naturel, face to face socialisation. The coronavirus pandemic has shown us what it is to be human. Simply talking to our family and friends online isn’t enough. It’s a facsimile of the real thing. Having the physical presence of those we hold close is more powerful than speaking to them remotely. It is a primal, chemically written part of our psychology. We are, after all, social animals. It is in our DNA to converse, laugh, empathise, and spiritually unite as part of groups—familial and friend based. It is this emotional interconnectedness that has helped us become so successful as a species and why social distancing is fundamentally alien to us.

We’re feeling anxious

How could we not be anxious? As a modern society we haven’t experienced a global pandemic before. The veracity with which it spread and continues to spread is worrying. The restrictions on our lives are exceptional and the longevity of the crisis is wearing us down. Couple this with all sorts of opinions, some negative, on the outlook of the virus and it’s no surprise we’re on edge.

However, salvation is on its way. For the first time there is hope, with the imminent arrival of successful vaccines. They will take time to distribute, but knowing solutions exist is comforting. We can breathe, if tentatively. Never have scientists worked so hard and fast to develop a vaccine; condensing something which takes years into months.  An impressive feat, for the history books.

Post lockdown self-recovery

From the ashes, we will rise (to be dramatic). Whenever lockdown ends, we must focus on our wellbeing. Firstly, this means reconnecting with family and friends— replenishing our sense of belonging. Then, we should throw out the junk food and alcohol, and inject cardiovascular activity back into our lives. We must also get out into the wild spaces of the country and immerse in nature—blowing away the cobwebs of coronavirus.

What about anxiety? Being subjected to the chronic worry of coronavirus is no good for us. It contributes to tiredness, poor sleep, skin conditions, headaches, depression, gut unrest, and more. At Ye Olde Bell, we stand firm by our belief that spa treatments can help alleviate anxiety.

If, post lockdown, you’re a bit jittery and low, gift yourself a blissful spa day. Remember what it is to let go and be at peace with the world. Nurturing our existential and physical health begins with self-care. At Ye Olde Bell we have a myriad of different massages and treatments designed with your wellness in mind.

Why not find out more by reading our treatments guide blog.