• With more than half of working adults experiencing anxiety relating to their jobs and home-working patterns, Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director at Aster DM Healthcare, identifies five specific dangers of staying at home.
  • The "DEMON" at home comprises: D - Device Habit, Due east - Eye strain, M - Mental health problems, O – Obesity, N - Neck and Back hurting.
  • Those in lockdown or isolation who work or report from home need to accost these demons before problems escalate into lifelong challenges.

Every bit the 2d wave of the COVID-19 pandemic gains strength in many parts of the world, it is evident that the onetime normal has slipped, and a new sense of normalcy is setting in. This has been evident with the arrival of the piece of work-from-home, written report-from-habitation and socialize-from-dwelling model, whenever possible.

Only while we retreat into the safety of our houses, we must stay vigilant every bit the battle has not been won yet. Rather, there are an array of dangers lurking within our own iv walls, brought about by this pandemic, which tin can negatively affect our health. These dangers are the DEMON – Device addiction, Eye strain, Mental health, Obesity, and Neck and dorsum pain – and if left unchecked, can rapidly escalate into lifelong challenges.

one. Device habit

While the utilize of electronic devices has enabled work, study and advice with family and friends, the motility into the digital world from the physical globe, has come with a cost. We are ever more than dependent on our screens.

From Zoom (which surpassed 300 million daily meeting participants in 2021) and Microsoft (which saw its productivity suite users generate more than than 30 billion collaboration minutes in a single day) to Netflix (which added most 26 meg subscribers in the first half of this year) and Google Classroom (which saw the number of users double compared to last twelvemonth as quarantines spread), we have become dependent on a small number of apps provided past these tech companies to enable the basic operation of our lives.

"Nomophobia", or the fright of beingness without a mobile device, became more entrenched in the global vocabulary during 2020. In such scenarios, a routine conscious digital detox that involves disconnecting from smart devices for short periods tin exist the answer.

the effect of COVID-19 on workers' lives

The effects of COVID-19 on workers' lives.

Image: Ipsos-World Economic Forum

2. Middle strain

A direct consequence of device addiction and increased screen time is middle strain which can issue in eyesight problems. For students, the advent of online learning – which supplemented existing screen time for gaming and entertainment – has been paired with the significant increase in the probability of developing myopia or near-sightedness. In fact, the rate of myopia has been rise globally with its prevalence among children in 6 to nineteen years bracket estimated at around xl% in Europe and North America and even higher in Asia. Among adults, the "estimator vision syndrome" or digital eye strain is condign more prevalent with symptoms similar dry eyes, persistent headaches, blurred vision or reduced visibility. To keep this at bay, one should factor in regular heart-health check-ups while likewise embedding a break every 20 minutes to look at an object 20 feet away, and reducing screen time when possible.

3. Mental health deterioration

The third issue – and one that has been widely discussed – has been the deterioration of mental health for many people. The by year has seen challenges for all ages and groups. Students have been unable to collaborate physically with their peers and teachers and they have suffered growing anxiety about their futures. Many people take non been able to run into parents or loved ones. For working adults, more than half globally have experienced feet relating to job security and stress due to changes in their working patterns. Entrepreneurs have also had to make pregnant changes to try and keep their businesses adrift.

Concluding year undoubtedly saw turmoil as worries and fear for the future have crept into our everyday reality. The Globe Wellness Organisation expects that the need for mental wellness and psychosocial support will substantially increase in the coming months and years. Hence, it is paramount that self-care strategies become a part of the daily routine to protect mental and physical health. Uncomplicated and constructive measures include maintaining a daily rhythm, limiting exposure to negative news media, focusing on positive thoughts, setting priorities and staying decorated, while besides staying continued with family members.

four. Obesity

Obesity had been highlighted equally a global problem even before the heightened risks of COVID-19 were credible. Various factors have contributed to a ascension in obesity, including cheap calorie-dumbo nutrient, screen dependance and the irresolute structure of communities that reduces or replaces physical activeness, and inexpensive nonphysical entertainment. With quarantine and stay-at-home guidelines becoming normal, the opportunity to step out of the house for exercising and simple activities like walking dwindled.

But, while staying home might have been condom in the short-term, it runs the chance of aggravating diseases similar diabetes and hypertension in the long-term, which in turn increment our vulnerability to COVID-xix. In fact, just a few years ago, more than $400 billion of excess direct health care expenditure was due to obesity in the United States.

To ward off obesity, simple steps like getting 8 hours of slumber every mean solar day, regular do (even if it is at home), a well-balanced and healthy diet, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and setting some fourth dimension to relax and recharge can brand the difference.

5. Neck and back pain

The last challenge is the neck and back hurting from the long hours spent in the dwelling house office. Limited movement can stiffen neck and back muscles, causing severe pain and discomfort. If left unchecked, this can result in permanent pain which may transform into numerous visits to doctors and chiropractors for healing. Moreover, this can also exist aggravated by make-shift workstations which may not always exist appropriate for long-term regular work. A few solutions include standing and working every bit a part of the work set-up through adjustable stands and tables, investing in a chair that provides good lumbar support and taking frequent breaks to stretch arms, cervix and dorsum. A minor pause, perhaps in one case an 60 minutes, does the fob.

Given we are in for the long-haul, people demand to recognize the DEMON lurking in their homes – and stay away from it.