As the year draws to a close, it’s always a time for reflection. Perhaps more than ever before, this year showed many of us that mental health is closely tied with our routines, habits and lifestyle.
When those were disrupted because of the global pandemic, many of us found ourselves in new routines, often changing beyond our control, alongside a new threat that brought its own fears. And with virtually no notice, our lifestyles were changed in drastic ways.
The good news is that it’s not all gloom and doom. There are many steps you can take to better yourself--even in the midst of extreme stress.
Mental Health and Weight
Worries of isolation, extreme changes in routines, along with the fear and anxiety of the virus itself have culminated into depression and anxiety for many people. Mental health affects how we think, act, and even sleep. And while these alone are struggles to navigate, they also have an impact on our physical health.
Studies have shown that there is a correlation between poor mental health and body composition, with a higher depression and anxiety score associated with increased weight and BMI, among other markers.