Feeling drained and tired in the middle of a busy working day? Do you often feel discharged and unenergetic, unable and unwilling to do work? Too much work, stress, unhealthy habits, sedentary lifestyle tends to affect productivity, making you feel exhausted. Don’t worry, there are a few mental health workouts, yes, mental health workouts that you can do for a quick boost or recharge. Giving your brain something new and challenging to do will stimulate it and keep it healthier.
While there are other long term activities like walking, swimming, running or dancing that you can do to improve mental health and reduce anxiety, there is also some quick 2-minute mental health improving exercises that you can do at your desk itself. Pumping up energy, these workouts are fast and effective. Read ahead to know more.
Some simple 2-minute mind workouts are:
Simple to play as you can use any object that is in front of you, this game will force your brain and mind to think, making it more productive.
Try it, it really works!
Imagine who you are and what are your personal and professional attributes and strengths. Next, imagine how you want your day to go and the things that you want to achieve. Visualising success is one of the fastest ways to improve efficiency and mood. After all, seeing is believing.
Tips to improve mental health:
While the mentioned workouts are for quick bursts of productivity, there are some tips that you can follow for long term improvement. If you feel tired and unmotivated, there is only so much that a booster workout can do.
Making simple changes and following quick 2-minute workouts is a good and effective way to improve mental health. You only have yourself, make sure your mind and body are a happy and healthy place. You have to spend the rest of your life in it!
Also Read: What Is Meningitis? A Detailed Research-Based Overview
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Around the world, vaccination drives continue to greatly reduce our risk of hospitalisation and death due to Covid-19. Although the Omicron variant is still raging across many populations, we already have data showing that booster shots can be effective against it. But as we look forward to what seems to be a hopeful end to the pandemic, we also need to address the impact Covid-19 has had.
While the death toll and hospitalisation cases have been covered elsewhere, we also need to pay attention to the mental health impact the pandemic has had. Multiple studies have shown that mental health issues increased drastically throughout the pandemic. Let’s take a closer look.
There are a variety of social, economic and psychological factors that play a role in mental health problems. During the pandemic, two factors were closely correlated to worsening mental health in the population: stricter lockdown measures and increased death rates.
During the first 2 waves, lockdown measures were absolutely necessary to control the spread of Covid-19 but they also took away the freedom to go outside, socialise, continue regular work/education and even reduced outdoor exercise. All of these affect your state of mind. For example, simply interacting with strangers and acquaintances on a daily basis can be an affirmation. But the restrictions left people feeling isolated, alone and unable to connect with others.
Other factors like the increased death toll, fear of death, fear of losing a loved one can affect mental health directly (if you have lost someone or know someone who died) or indirectly (through news and media about Covid-19 death rates). Not only can this lead to depression and grieving, but it also contributes to anxiety and uncertainty.
Another factor to consider is that many people, couples and families have had to confront issues that previously went ignored. These may include marital problems, substance abuse, loneliness and relationship issues. The pandemic and subsequent counter-measures effectively forced many people to confront their domestic problems.
All in all, many factors contribute to the higher rates of depression and anxiety that are being seen by mental health experts across the globe.
On the face of it, it seems that the mental health effects (increased anxiety and depression symptoms) aren’t affecting all age demographics equally. Also note, that while there was already a trend towards increased mental health issues, the Covid-19 pandemic seems to have pushed that trend upward in a short time. According to some mental health experts, millennials who are taking care of children or older adults seem to have taken on the most severe mental health issues during the pandemic. The same experts indicate that older generations may have more life experience resulting in better acceptance of the pandemic and its restrictions, while younger generations may be more resilient and adaptable.
Alternatively, many mental health studies have indicated that there is an urgent need to focus on the mental health issues of the youth. For one, many children have not been able to achieve their milestones in the normal manner (think, for example, not being able to graduate from high school with an in-person ceremony). Additionally, for many poorer students, the school may have been their main source of social contact, food and primary educational needs. According to some studies, students from separated families may have a higher risk of facing depressive symptoms. More data is needed to understand the full extent the pandemic has had on younger people, however, most studies seem to show a relation between Covid-19 and worsening mental health symptoms.
Many of these studies and experts agree we do not fully understand the wide-scale impacts that Covid-19 has had or will continue to have on our mental health as a whole. What we do know is that the mental health infrastructure around the world is already overloaded and much more effort is needed on a national level to meet this increased requirement. Additionally, apart from age, the first-line workers (such as medical staff) may have been most affected psychologically during these past 2 years. Not only has the medical community been overloaded and under stress with a large number of patients, but they also have had to deal with death regularly. This may take a serious toll on them, some experts suggest that they may still be in battle mode which can be mentally demanding. Regardless of who is affected most, the world as a whole may need to keep a closer watch on the mental health fallout from the pandemic.
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While sensationalist headlines seek to exploit the mental health issues caused due to Covid-19, we now have data that much work is needed to be done. For your part, you can reach out to mental health experts (counsellors, psychologists, therapists, psychiatrists) if you are facing mental health issues that interrupt your daily life. Since the pandemic has been going on for over 2 years now, most experts agree that the impact will be big, so do not be nervous or afraid in case you have been affected. Also, the effect may be seen across any of the generations- can be children, adults or older members of a family. Never ignore any signs of mental health illness. The best time to seek mental health treatment is today, so reach out and find a professional if you need one.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The food we eat plays a major role in our physical health and overall wellbeing. But did you know that it can also affect your mental state and mood? This relationship between diet and mental illness is a complex one and cannot be summarised with a few broad statements.
The interaction between food and mental wellbeing can be as simple as quick relief from hunger leading to a better mood. Or as complex as the gut bacteria affecting the chemicals that your brain produces which has a deeper effect on your psychological state. Therefore, your gut is also called as ‘second brain’.
Although there is no singular food or dish that can conclusively ‘cure’ any mental sickness, your diet still affects how you feel. Some studies suggest that a diet rich in vegetables, seafood, whole grain, garlic, olive oil and fresh herbs may affect reducing depression symptoms.
Some foods can drastically, but temporarily, affect mood. For example, coffee and chocolate are well-known stimulants.
This is just a brief overview, let’s find out the many ways in which diet and mental health are closely intertwined. Keep in mind, this relationship is not easy to study or make unquestionable claims about. But scientists have been studying this link for some time now, so we have some general ideas.
You may know that our food is not only digested by the enzymes our stomach secretes but it is also aided very much by the healthy bacteria in our stomachs. These bacteria are essential for normal digestion. The first way these little organisms help our mood is by allowing us to have smooth digestion, without good bacteria we may experience indigestion or other digestive issues. These can cause us anxiety and stress, especially if they are chronic issues.
The microorganisms across our body are collectively known as the microbiome, each person’s microbiome is unique to them. Under this field of study, we learnt that gut bacteria are also heavily involved in the production of neuro-chemicals more directly.
Did you know that most of the serotonin your body makes comes from the gut and not the brain? You may know serotonin as the ‘happy’ chemical and many people who have depression are required to take medication that boosts their serotonin levels. But it is not just serotonin, gut bacteria also help to manufacture dopamine, GABA, norepinephrine and others. These are neurotransmitters that are essential for mental functions like focus, feeling motivated, feelings of reward and anxiety.
On the other hand, excessive, irrational use of antibiotics or medications that destroy this microbiome by killing off the bacteria in our gut can also lead to poor mental health. It has been noted that people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (consequently their microbiome is out of balance) are likely to also have disorders related to mood.
According to a recent study conducted on people above the age of 50, higher anxiety levels were believed to be linked to diets rich in saturated fat and sweets. In my opinion, one should restrict sugar intake and indulge in some physical activity to keep mental illness at bay.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Also Read: What is the BRAT Diet? Breaking Down its Pros and Cons
A healthy dietary pattern, defined by high intakes of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, fish, low-fat dairy, and antioxidants, as well as low intakes of animal foods, are linked to a lower incidence of depression, according to a recent study. In contrast, a Western-style diet with a high intake of red and processed meats, refined grains, sweets, high-fat dairy products, butter, and potatoes and a low intake of fruits and vegetables has been connected with a higher risk of depression.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Also Read: Military Diet: Research-Based Analysis and Pros & Cons
It may not be the easiest to visibly see the effects of healthy diets on mental illness. That is because both the brain and microbiome are complex systems. But we know that a poor diet is linked to poor mental and physical health, as well as a weaker immune system. Studies have enough evidence to confirm the benefits of good nutrition on mental health and mood. Not to mention, diets that are not balanced, may lead to long-term health issues like diabetes. If you need help then speak with a dietician or even your doctor. They can advise you on diet and mental illness, what foods you should include and things you should avoid.
Also Read: Boosting Your Brain: How to Increase Dopamine Levels Naturally
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
There has never been a more urgent time to discuss mental health than now. Mental health is as important as physical health. And everyone is entitled to mental healthcare. That is why the theme of World Mental Health Day, for the year 2021 is ‘Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality’.
The two waves of COVID-19 shook the foundation of how the world functioned and changed our lives completely. Each and every one of us got reminded how interdependent we are on each other when we stayed confined to our homes. As we re-enter social life after COVID-19 slowly, there are a lot of ways in which each of us has been impacted. Greater access to mental welfare is the need of the hour because not only have we all been scarred by the events of the past year and a half, new challenges such as getting used to a new routine all over again await us.
Let us look into how we can prepare ourselves mentally to face the challenge that lies ahead of us.
It is not just the physical health of people affected due to COVID-19. It is no secret that the pandemic severely impacted the mental health of people around the world. Everybody from COVID affected individuals, non-affected members and even healthcare workers were severely impacted. Uncertainty surrounding the treatment, the daily death toll and loss of jobs around the world put people under severe stress. The shift in daily life activities and staying confined to a space also led to people developing problems like anxiety and depression. The National Mental Health Survey found that around 10% of all adults in India met the diagnostic criteria for mental health conditions.
The World Health Assembly in 2021 brought together several governments from around the world. In the conference, it was recognised that mental health services need to be scaled up. Life after COVID-19 presents newer challenges. You can start preparing yourself mentally to face the new normal and the bigger challenges that lay ahead.
Information overload, rumors and misinformation can make your life feel out of control and make it unclear what to do. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you may experience stress, anxiety, fear, sadness and loneliness. And mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, can worsen.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Social distancing, uncertainty, staying locked in and a grim atmosphere took a toll on the mental health of people. With the world slowly returning back to normal, a big challenge is how to deal with the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of people.
Feeling stressed, confused or anxious is very normal and anyone reading this should not feel like they are weak if they experienced the same feelings. Another factor that is taking a toll on our psyche is acclimatizing ourselves to the old pre-COVID routine. We had got used to WFH and managing everything from our homes. Returning to the old norm is especially stressful for people who have trouble with social interactions.
Dealing with these feelings during the pandemic led to a lot of meditation, exercise, yoga and keeping the body healthy. This norm needs to be continued so that we can maintain our mental equilibrium in the post-pandemic world.
For life after COVID-19, the following can be helpful tips to develop mental strength:
1. Focus on everyday actions no matter how small they are
Dealing with new challenges starts with dealing with the small challenges that lay ahead of you. Start setting small goals for yourself like getting physical exercise, reading daily or even remembering to appreciate the nature around you. The feeling of achieving small tasks can translate to a healthy mindset that is ready to face greater challenges.
2. Empower yourself and the people around you
Mental wellbeing is a journey that should not be tread alone. COVID-19 already isolated us enough. Now is the time to engage in positive dialogue and motivate those who are dealing with a negative headspace since the pandemic. The pandemic brought the world together as a community that are facing the same problems. Building a strong support system helps you and others around you to be ready for greater challenges.
3. Set small goals and prepare yourself for the upcoming changes
Going back to work or educational institutes, after staying home-bound for long may give a lot of anxiety to many. Prepare yourself by visualizing your visit and routine at your workplace, interacting with colleagues and pre-visit the campus once or twice to overcome any hesitation. Accustom your daily routine based on the new changes to bring your body clock in sync with the new schedule.
4. Seek help
Mental health has always been a topic associated with mass stigma. The pandemic has forced people to hush mental health issues. The pre-contagion world had a higher level of hesitation for mental health issues. It is now a task for citizens and policymakers to address this and create a ‘new normal’ that is inclusive of the emotional needs of people. There is a clean slate to work with in life after COVID-19. Keep it real, share your emotions, feelings and problems with your loved ones and feel free to seek professional help.
Mental wellbeing and overall health should be a priority now. With the learnings from this pandemic, we should be able to plan our goals, finances and education better. Ensuring safety for all by getting vaccinated and following COVID appropriate behaviour is important. The emotional and physical needs of each age group of the society are different and significant. Every member of society and their needs should be taken into account when crafting the strategies for the new normal.
Also Read: What Is Meningitis? A Detailed Research-Based Overview
As life after COVID-19 continues there are lots of questions that are posed to humanity as a whole. Are we really ready to face the challenges that lie ahead of us?
Mental wellbeing is one of the factors that affect the whole of humanity in a similar manner. It is not easy to suddenly take a positive outlook after being affected negatively for such a long time. However, as we face new challenges it becomes vital to look for ways to create a better world after the pandemic. To help people face challenges post the pandemic, it has become a need of the hour to address their mental health and help them cope with life. Cooperation and determination can help turn this crisis into an opportunity for improvement.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
According to ‘The Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2016′, suicide is the most common cause of death among Indians between the age groups of 15 and 39 years. To prevent such an alarming number of suicides, World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on 10th September every year since 2003. This day has been dedicated to creating awareness of suicide, understanding the causes and signs of suicidal tendencies, as well as methods of prevention and providing support to people exhibiting these symptoms.
The theme of World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 is ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us; that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.
Just like each year, World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 is significant because it helps spread awareness about the primary causes that can lead up to suicide. According to Dr. Alex Lickerman, the former Director of Primary Care at the University of Chicago, USA, there are five primary causes of suicide.
There are many early warning signs displayed by people with suicidal tendencies. World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 seeks to educate people so that they can identify these indicators at the earliest-
Despite the high prevalence of suicide, they can be prevented with the right level of intervention done at the right time. Understanding the several warning signs and not ignoring them can potentially help save a life.
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having regular contact with a primary healthcare provider can help prevent suicide.
However, if thoughts of suicide have crossed your mind, then-
Therefore, the significance of World Suicide Prevention Day 2021 lies in continued support as well as recognition of suicide as a potent public health problem. Suicide can only be prevented by increased awareness about mental health as well as by the cooperation of friends and family members. It is important to understand that any person exhibiting the warning signs of suicide, talking or thinking of self-harm should not be taken lightly, consult a psychiatrist and let him/her understand and evaluate the condition. Act at the earliest to prevent a mishap. Every life is precious, let’s be the source of hope, happiness and support to someone in need.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The worldwide spread of the COVID-19 virus led to immense pressure falling upon healthcare workers. While the world went under a lockdown it was healthcare workers who battled on the frontlines against this raging pandemic. Medical professionals have had to gear up and work tirelessly amid the increasing number of casualties caused by the virus. With two waves of the virus already affecting humanity, workers in the healthcare industry have had a tough time dealing with the virus both physically and mentally.
The virus has impacted the wellness of healthcare workers adversely. The stress of endless shifts or hours of toiling away to ensure that hospitalized patients can be returned home to their families affected brave hearts in the field of medicine in more ways than one endangering both their physical and emotional wellbeing. This article takes a look into the various ways in which the pandemic has impacted the lives of the people who have been working and sacrificing selflessly for the public.
Healthcare workers have had to constantly stay in contact with individuals who were infected by the virus. The WHO stated in a report that 1 in 10 healthcare professionals were affected by the virus in some countries. Lack of proper protective kits, constant exposure to the virus and delayed recognition of the symptoms of the virus have led to an increasing number of healthcare workers being affected. The first few months of the pandemic took the most toll on healthcare workers as there were no vaccines and the number of patients was rising uncontrollably. The families of medical workers were also at higher risk of getting infected, something which could not be helped. Although adequate measures were taken by medical professionals, they were still at the highest risk of getting infected.
An underrated impact of COVID-19 on medical professionals is the damage to their skin caused by long hours of wearing protective kits. With several layers of protective kits worn by a medical professional for long hours even during the hot summer days and humid monsoons, the skin takes a heavy toll as it cannot breathe properly and the chances of skin infections and rashes increase. A study found that around 97% of healthcare professionals suffered skin related problems due to the protective kits. Continuous use of the protective kit (for more than 6 hours a day) over a period of months caused this problem.
Long work hours without adequate rest took a toll on the health of medical professionals. The sudden rise in the number of patients posed a tremendous load on medical workers on the frontline ranging from doctors and nurses to hospital staff, which meant that the ones who were working had to put in extra shifts to care for patients. All medical professionals experienced burnout and extreme fatigue which impacted their health severely. Working tirelessly for several hours in COVID hospital also made it difficult for some doctors to have their meals or even water on time. Overexertion, insufficient sleep, dehydration and mismanaged meals altogether had a detrimental effect on their health
One of the adverse impacts of the pandemic on healthcare workers was a deterioration of their mental wellbeing. The mental well-being of healthcare professionals took a massive toll with the added work pressure and morbid conditions surrounding them. A study showed that out of the 230 healthcare workers surveyed, 23.04% were facing psychological problems. The psychological problems faced by medical professionals due to the pandemic are severe anxiety, stress disorder, depression and insomnia.
Mental health depreciation is an impact seen across medical professionals across the world. Fear of being infected and transmitting the infection to their families led them to stay away or be isolated from family for long. Seeing fellow workers succumb to COVID infection has also been identified as a reason for fear, depression and stress among healthcare workers. The extra burden of work, lack of sleep and the surrounding macabre conditions psychologically impacted healthcare workers.
Medical workers faced the brunt of those whose family members were suffering from COVID-19. The isolation of patients and the rapid death of many caused outrage among people. Medical professionals often faced ill-treatment, harassment and harsh words from the family members of those who were affected by the virus. In certain parts of the world, healthcare workers were being avoided at their residences and even ousted since they were high-risk individuals who could spread the virus. The harassment faced by medical workers subsided with the introduction of the vaccine and ease in conditions of the lockdown.
COVID-19 had a major impact on the world around us and medical professionals at the forefront of this pandemic faced severe issues too. I have heartfelt gratitude to all the healthcare workers who lost their lives fighting this battle. The mental health impact is one of the most severe and long-lasting impacts felt by healthcare workers. The stress and feeling of helplessness surrounding these workers have had a deep impact on their physical and mental wellbeing. Care of the caregivers is something that should be taken into account. The introduction of the vaccine has made things look better for medical workers and all the people at large Now everyone is hoping for and looking forward to a happier, healthier and COVID-free world.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
While work from home has its benefits like personal time management and flexibility in working hours, safety from exposure to COVID during these times, it also comes with a few health implications. Long hours of work, reduced physical activity, improper sleep routine, reduced in-person interaction with people are some of the factors that may impact your mental health along with overall wellbeing.
Therefore, even though you may have a highly ergonomic work from home setup, it is still important to pay attention to some of the signs and symptoms of mental and physical health which are often left ignored.
Spending long arduous hours in front of the computer screen can put immense pressure on both the eyes as well as the backbone and joints leading to quite a bit of strain. Moreover, work from home can result in a series of health issues:
Work in the office requires a regular commute and this exposes us to the sun which is a great source of Vitamin D. Without having to regularly venture outdoors, work from home can lead to Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can often lead to fatigue, impacting your immunity, mental and emotional wellbeing and bone health. Therefore, if you’re looking for working from home tips, getting a Vitamin D test would be at the top of such a list.
During prolonged hours of work from home, there is a reduction in physical activity, we often indulge in stress eating because of the pressures of coping with office work as well as trivial household chores. Moreover, without the need to venture out, we also tend to depend excessively on food delivery services. All of these combined could be a recipe for obesity and other allied health risks. If you consider a few quick bites as an essential part of your work from home setup, then it is recommended that you get a Lipid Profile Test.
The more obvious health risk that can emerge from prolonged hours of work from home is related to the cardiovascular system. Since work from home pushes one towards a more sedentary lifestyle we often forget that a few minutes of physical activity can go a long way in maintaining both physical and mental health. Lack of physical activity, increased screen time, improper sleep can greatly increase the risk of cardiac ailments and therefore, it is important that you get a Cardiac Risk Markers Test done.
The lack of physical connection can leave workers feeling they have nowhere to turn when they feel stressed or anxious. It becomes more challenging to form the strong support network which is crucial for good mental health.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Whether it be work from home or at the office, long hours of sitting in the wrong posture or straining your neck too much can inevitably lead to shoulder and joint pain. In our tireless efforts on how to be more productive, we often tend to ignore the warning signs of our musculoskeletal system. However, there are an increasing number of cases where people are complaining of muscle and joint pains. Your doctor can advise you an Arthritis Screening Health Checkup to understand to what extent your work from home setup puts you at risk of arthritis.
Also Read: Does Masturbation Cause Weight Loss? Debunking Sexual Health Misconceptions
Besides physical health, you also need to be mindful of mental health when you work from home. This is because increased stress, anxiety, irregular sleep in some cases, burnout can also impact your mental and physical well-being. This in turn can affect your productivity at work. Indulge in some creative activities, play indoor games, exercise well, practice meditation and breathing exercises.
It is equally important to take care of your emotional and psychological well being to stay at the top of your health. By heeding the above-mentioned warning signs and undergoing diagnostic tests for early detection, you can ensure a healthy and happy work from home experience.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Most of us spend our workdays sitting at our desks, being chained to our cubicles, straining our eyes in front of the computer screen and then wondering why we have a nagging pain in our neck and shoulders. We assume that taking breaks at work would put us behind the rest, especially at a time when ”Being Busy” is glorified. In the pursuit of achieving a good standing at our workplaces, we work overtime and agree to take on extra work when in reality this ”Hard work” mentality is not just ineffective but also unhealthy.
By not taking adequate breaks from work, your productivity, mental well-being and overall work performance may begin to suffer. Overworking often leads to stress and burnout. In the middle of chaos, we don’t realize how draining it gets until we are out of it. Stepping out of the chaos of the workday not only gives our minds but also all our other senses a much-needed break. Taking adequate breaks during the workday drastically improves focus. We are not supercomputers that can run continuously at a high speed for a long duration.
The Pomodoro Technique, the world-renowned time management tool invented by Francesco Cirillouses, uses a timer to break down work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. Our brains need some downtime so that we can dive back to achieve greater focus.
Taking a break from work increases focus when employees return to work, thus improving their productivity. Additionally, taking breaks relieves some stress, which helps employees’ mental health and well-being.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Taking frequent short breaks (micro-breaks) is more effective in preventing aches and pains, than a single longer break in the middle of the day. It is important to remember that during these short breaks, you must move your body to maintain your blood circulation.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Choosing what you do during your break time is also of utmost importance. A break where you are gulping down cups of caffeine or venting about a problem is hardly beneficial. It only adds to your fatigue. An effective break should leave you with a sense of positivity. For breaks to be effective, there needs to be a refreshing change of pace that allows you to escape work, even if it’s just for a short time.
When you plan your day and more specifically the time you have, switching between work and breaks will come to you naturally. You’ll be able to judge what to work on when and will have clear boundaries for work time and downtime. Breaks reboot your brain and help you to dive back in with greater focus.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The focus of this year’s World Mental Health Day on 10th October is on suicide prevention. The incident rate of suicides is on the rise. People across age, gender and the socio-economic spectrum are ending their lives. That is why the World Health Organisation has decided that we have to terminate this trend. If people around us might be harbouring thoughts of self-harm then it is our duty to help them. And the best way to do that is to educate ourselves on the risk factors of suicide.
Risk factors are actually situations or factors in a person’s life that deprive them of the will to carry on with life. If a person is unable to cope with these challenges then it will make him/her want to commit suicide. The more the risk factors, the greater the likelihood of an individual attempting self-destruction.
In other words, risk factors are stressors or long-term triggers. If someone you know is facing these risk factors, then you have to keep a close eye on that person for signs of suicidal thoughts or actions.
Here are some factors that can lead to self-harm or self-destruction:
A person is likely to exhibit a few signs that all is not well with life and if you can identify these changes in behaviour, you can help your loved one:
If someone you know is exhibiting these signs then you can take help from a suicide helpline. People who are on the verge of taking their own lives need immediate help. Therapy and support from loved ones can help them find their way back to the will to survive.
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Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
