The COVID-19 pandemic has left many people stuck at home in isolation. Although these measures have helped decrease the spread of the virus, there has been an upsurge in other illnesses. For example, sleep disorders have been on the rise. Getting a good night's sleep is crucial because it allows an individual to recharge for the day and helps their body fight off diseases. This is why poor sleep results in catastrophic health issues.
The negative outcomes of the pandemic, such as isolation and job loss, have significantly harmed mental health. In fact, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, four out of ten adults in the U.S have developed an anxiety disorder since the start of the pandemic. The shift towards a more digital path has further increased the prevalence of these issues. Quarantine has given people the opportunity to spend more time on their phones and watch TV due to a lack of meaningful activities. The New York Times found that there has been a 16% and 15.4% increase in use of streaming services such as Netflix and Youtube, respectively. Furthermore, learning from home has led to a drastic increase in using Zoom, Google Classroom, and Google Meet. However, staring at a screen for long periods of time can be especially detrimental because it can significantly disrupt someone’s sleep schedule. Too much screen time could result in eye fatigue, dry eyes, loss of focus, and retinal damage. Additionally, the pandemic has also been harmful to physical health. Due to a loss of physical activity, there has been an increase in muscle and joint pain. For this reason, it is important to consider the impacts of screen time on health and to take a break every once in a while. This summer, it would be especially beneficial to consider ways to decrease screen time with new activities (such as reading a book, playing a sport, solving a puzzle, riding a bike, learning a new language, taking up an instrument, etc.) and to take this opportunity to reflect on both mental and physical health. Reported by Elif Koch After this difficult school year, there is nothing more that students are looking forward to than summer vacation. What is normally a time of relaxation and recreation has also become a time of relief. Relief from wearing masks all day, release from our devices, and reconnecting with friends.
Although it may be tempting to spend all day in bed, there are many fun and productive activities for students. Whether it be working at a job, getting a head start on next year’s schoolwork, or chilling out with friends, the summer vacation is one of the only times students chose how to spend their time. Here are a few ideas on how to spend your summer! Recreation:
Employment:
School-Related Activities:
Reported by Jess Levy |