Our bodies are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic due to quarantine and social isolation. A recent CNN report states that “being homebound for so long contorts the body, weakens the heart and lungs and even impairs brain function” (Andrew, 2020). Here are six ways the pandemic of 2020 is affecting our bodies:

1. A recent study found that long periods of “inactivity can undo hard-won progress” (Andrew, 2020). Researchers estimate that it takes roughly a week to lose muscle that might have taken months to gain and that as we get older you lose muscle much more quickly. This is important because muscle is strength and strength is an important indicator of the longevity of your life.
2. Your heart and lungs become weaker when you do not exercise. The same is true for your lungs if you are inactive, and poor lung health can make someone more susceptible to the coronavirus – a respiratory illness.
3. If you are working from home, you likely have easy access and more hours of access to your pantry and fridge. This can be dangerous and lead to spikes in insulin levels which encourage the storage of fat molecules.
4. As you’re reading this, how is your posture currently? When we are sitting or lying down all day, we unconsciously slump. Doing so for extended periods of time sitting can affect your posture and strain your back. Experts suggest that getting up once an hour to stretch or do something active around the house or outside is a great reset.
5. If you are not getting outside and soaking up some needed vitamin D everyday this can throw off your circadian rhythm, which can impact your quality of sleep. Getting outdoors, keeping your window shades open, and using artificial bright lighting can help your body learn what time of day it is.
6. Lastly, your brain function can slow drastically if you become too sedentary. Exercise is important because it releases chemicals in the brain and reduces toxins in the blood.

Take time and prioritize your mental and physical health. And keep moving! Go for a walk, run, bike ride, tennis match, golf, yard work, or play outside with your kids. If you have to work a lot, try moving in front of a window, open a window or door, or sit outside to help stimulate and refresh your mind. Be cognizant of what your mind and body are telling you. And take care of yourself and loved ones.