Since the covid wave, I have noticed grave changes in my health metrics. I am assuming it is not uncommon, since I have noticed similar depletion of health in my local network (friends, family, peer). Some people chose isolation while some decided to venture before the vaccines were out (not going into this, since this is a bigger debate in itself).
I chose isolation, since I had co-morbid parents living with me. And I would not be okay risking it. Ofcourse, isolation was a lucky choice for those in the IT and could continue to work on the cloud. (I kept myself busy with this - my thesis during this phase for my MBA.)
My point here is, this phase depleted my health to a different stretch. It made me realise how unhealthy my choices were on a daily basis and I become overall conscious and worked towards regaining my health and immunity.
Out of covid, I did a full body check up at Apollo. Costed a bomb but I needed some numbers to start my work
Major indicators were weight gain, thyroid hit 8.0 (generally put on medicines), HBA1C 6.5 (pre-diabetic, scary), high cholesterol. During covid, I was so emotionally drained that I could eat 2 full sized plates of french fries and still be hungry .. this was definitely emotional eating. Once I came out and walked, I was gasping for air after a few steps .. very unlike me, I could walk for miles. This had to change !!
- Everyday spending 1 hour of exercise time (walking). Walking is something everybody can do at any age, it is an excellent exercise that can be enjoyed with podcasts, music, nature and you can explore places on foot. When you are not in great health, the gym is harder to pick-up, walking is easy. I started with 30minutes to 45minutes to 1 hour. I continue this at 30min-45min of gym atleast 3 days a week. I understand cardio and resistance are a must. (I often use the threadmill+cross trainer in my routine)
- No sugar. I read multiple articles that said sugar caused very little good, rather it could cause aging. I definitely have a sweet tooth but I not only consume desserts close to my heart and no free sugar. No artificial alternatives to sugar, I asked the doctor post my health check and she said it has far worse effects than processed sugar.
- No more french fries. This was the hardest to quit. But I asked my parents to rebuke me on any behaviour where I ordered unhealthy food. I was allowed to order gourmet, ridiculously expensive healthy food but not unhealthy. So initially I would order out but slowly it reduced. And I kept reminding myself that I was on the verge of getting diabetes and thyroid .. so this helped. I still love deep fried food but if I may, I try to have the home made version or a very small portion of fries (this satiates me and I enjoy it a lot more now, since it's less available to me). That way the quantity is limited and the oil quality is in control. Btw, I have also switched to olive oil. General diet includes fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and roti/rice. When I crave (once1-2 times a week), I have my loved pasta etc.
- Less sedentary. I am still unable to implement this at work. I did follow it in work from home post my health check. I used to sit for 3 hours in the morning and finish my day's focus. Post this every hour I had a timer and walked atleast once
- Better eye-care. Extreme screen usage meant, my power was up yet again. Doctors advised to look away every 20 minutes. I couldn't do that but I do take short breaks now if my eye rub increases and go red. Stretching this part I have realised could lead the eyes to a place of no-recovery and I needed a 15 day no screen time. So now, I stop earlier
- Have a routine. Things don't get done without a plan. Going to bed in time most days of the week is a must to have a healthy sleep, lower stress, better mind efficiency. This has direct impact on thyroid and sugar levels
I still have GI issues, better than before but this was badly hit for me in covid. Btw, I had the less aggressive strain - Omicron. And that too was far worse than flu. I couldn't digest food for 2 days at all. It was a humbling experience though. I have never feared for life in reality as this. The whole family was affected
- Thyroid reversal. I was back between 2-3 in thyroid readings (normal range) within 6 months. Health programs charge you for this stuff !!
- Better HBA1C levels going from 6.5 to 6.3 to 5.5 to 5.2 (normal)
- Increased immunity. I almost did not have the seasonal flu wherein my workplace seemed to have transformed into a flu hub. Only a few of us were okay, the others had to stay go home from time to time for recovery
I shared this considering some of you must have gone through similar experiences post covid and must have some learnings to share. Please share in the comments below, so I could learn some more. I will be happy to add the points too
How did you combat the flu and what were your main learnings ?
