The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the lives of all people around the globe, transforming the way they work, learn, spend their free time, communicate with friends, eat, and exercise. The article by Kathryn Wortley (2020) addresses the subject of eating disorders and mental health problems caused or enhanced by the pandemic. Due to the disruption of eating habits, many people have faced weight changes, increased anxiety, and mental health concerns, which could be addressed by embedding positive habits into the routine.
The primary causes of food-related problems during the pandemic are the decline in exercise, reduced social connections, increased anxiety, boredom, and the loss of long-held eating habits. People who have already had eating disorders tend to return to the habits they have already overcome in stressful circumstances when there are no social barriers to hold them. Individuals who have led a healthy lifestyle find it difficult to maintain it in isolation and may turn to “comfort, distraction, and control” (Wortley, 2020, para. 7). Without interacting with others and being unable to spend much time outside, individuals lose a sense of regulation and spend more time eating and engaging in sedentary behaviors (Wortley, 2020). It leads to weight gain, the reduction in the quality of diet, and the development of eating disorders.
The article provides helpful advice on overcoming food-related and mental health problems. As for me, I think that I have successfully adapted my dietary habits to the pandemic conditions. As advised in the article, I have created a structure of a limited number of meals per day and tried to eat only healthy products. I did not punish myself for occasional indulgence and used every opportunity to engage in physical activity. Overall, I think that any eating disorder can be overcome by giving increased attention to one’s mental health and emotional state, finding and maintaining balance, and using professional support.
Reference
Wortley, K. (2020). Managing eating disorders and mental health during COVID-19. The Japan Times. Web.