As the UK is lifting Plan B restrictions, including face coverings in most enclosed spaces, the COVID battlefield has not cleared. Most public-facing companies continue to advise wearing masks, such as supermarkets. Additionally, to prevent risks, businesses maintain remote work arrangements whenever possible. Public venues and shops have also retained social distancing markings in the premises for the time being. But when the population thinks of the coronavirus, they consider contagion risks, vaccine roll-out, and essential hygiene and sanitising strategies. But, after almost 2 years of living with a global pandemic, our preventive routines could have a long-lasting impact on our physical and mental health.
By Team Savant
Image: Yoav Aziz
High Humidity Levels In Your Home
Most people got into the habit of changing clothes and showering as soon as they returned home. The idea is to remove all potential droplets that might still be hanging onto your clothes or be on your skin. While it makes sense from a scientific perspective to reduce spreading risks at the start of every pandemic wave, it is fair to say that our bathrooms are not designed for just that many showers. Excessive showering could increase moisture levels and encourage mould growth around the shower. Mould can lead to lasting respiratory diseases. If you've been fighting mould that constantly comes back, it is time to strip your bathroom tiles and grout and clean the wall. You may want to replace tiles with shower wall panel kits, which are easier to maintain and better sustain high humidity levels.
Dry Skin
It shouldn't come as a surprise that washing your hands more frequently will dry out your skin. It can be more noticeable during the winter months. Unfortunately, not washing your hands isn't a suitable option. However, you can introduce a nourishing hand cream to your routine. It will protect your skin from getting dehydrated. Additionally, keeping your skin moistured will prevent surface cracks that could let potential bacteria into your bloodstream.
You Are Afraid Of Long-Term Plans
Mike Oppland, a frequent writer on Lifehack, remarks that we live in a society that is "enamoured with planning." The trust is that most people consider planning their career or family decisions several years in advance. After all, we're all familiar with the typical interview question: Where do you see yourself in 5/10 years' time? Planning can be comforting as it gives a general direction to reach your life goals. Unfortunately, the pandemic is making it hard to stick to plans. Career, travel, and health plans are changing dramatically and abruptly. As a result, we worry we have no control over our own lives. In the long term, societal anxiety and depression may be on the rise.
You've Aged Prematurely
We've been losing sleep over COVID since 2020. While it's become a part of everyday life, chronic stress can have devastating effects. It impacts your immune system and mental health. But it also changes your appearance. Stress breaks down collagen production, affecting skin firmness and elasticity. It can also increase the risk of inflammation, which can make your skin appear dull and puffy.
If you are wondering whether COVID changed you, the answer is yes. It will have long-lasting physical and mental impacts on your life, even if you've never caught the virus.