Will a quarantine affect your physical and mental health?

SuzySunshine99 · March 2020

Aside from the possibility of actually getting the virus, how worried are you about other health effects of living in quarantine?

Part of the reason I was able to be successful in my weight loss was the fact that I work long hours, typically 6 days a week and up to 14 hours a day. This didn't leave me much time for snacking or extra meals, so some adjustments to the meals I was already eating was all that it took to reach my goal weight.

Now I'm at home indefinitely, trying to "work from home", but I'm limited in what I can do remotely. So, I'm kind of bored, and unfortunately, I'm a notorious bored-eater. There's only so much I can keep myself busy with around the house, and only so many walks around the neighborhood I can take. I'm definitely worried, that after 3 years of maintaining my weight loss, this situation may cause me to regain some weight.

I'm still being paid while I work from home, but my husband is a freelancer, so he has no work right now. He filed for unemployment benefits yesterday. Did I mention I'm also a stress-eater?

I'm also worried about friends and family who have issues with depression and OCD. I'm trying my best to keep in touch and check in with everyone, but I don't feel comfortable visiting a lot of people right now.

What is everyone doing to stay healthy, physically and mentally, during this situation?

Chef_Barbell · March 2020

I have no idea of my plan going forward. And that scares me.

hesn92 · March 2020

I have three kids including a baby and I'm not exactly sure how I'm supposed to work while taking care of them?! I think I'm going to go insane. Haven't been to the gym in over a week now.

janejellyroll · March 2020

My husband is very anxious about health generally and his anxiety can rub off on me, so I'm doing a lot of my mental techniques to deal with his anxiety so we don't enter into a duel-anxiety spiral.

Last night I found out I'll be working from home until further notice, so last night we had a good conversation about what my routine will look like during this time so that we're not taking anything for granted (he works from home already, so I'm crashing into his world).

I made a schedule and I'm going to stick to that. I already have a schedule for "work eating" and I've just committed not to vary from that. I anticipate there will be times when boredom or stress make this hard, but it's something I can do for myself.

I am worried about some of my siblings that have careers that depend on face-to-face contact and are vulnerable to either getting sick or people cutting back on discretionary spending. I'm concerned about several family members who work in health care, including my mother. I think some anxiety is reasonable right now.

If you can afford it and it seems like it might help, I really recommend online therapy. There are two apps that I'm aware of. I use Better Help, but I've heard good things about TalkSpace too. It's perfect for this time, you can connect with a therapist without any person-to-person contact risk.

JaxxieKat · March 2020

Right now, tracking my calories and being able to go for long walks outside (weather permitting) are the only normal, routine things left in my life. The days of, "oh, rats, we need paper towel. Let me run to the store and grab some" are on hold. Living in a multi-generational household of 8 people, one of whom is 84 years-old with health problems, where 3 people are currently still having to work outside the home (my husband having to work in a factory with thousands of employees) it feels like it's not a matter of *if*, but *when* this virus comes home to roost. My sister-in-law and I, so far, have been the dedicated errand runners. We will be making a major grocery trip this Friday. Then I will wonder for the next 14 days if someone will develop symptoms.

It sucks. I'm not panicking, but I'm very much on edge.

snowflake954 · March 2020

I've been in quarantine for almost a week now, but I'm here with family (an apartment in Rome). We're being creative, going up on the roof of our building, I go for speed walks at 6 in the morning when there's no one around, I do yoga at home, etc. I cook 2 meals for 4-6 adults everyday. My son lives across the landing and brings the children over twice a day--they're 1 and 2. Whew! I'm busy from morning til night. Make yourself a schedule of things to do everyday. Have you ever wanted to try yoga, learn to cook, bake, paint, dance, sew? YouTube is your friend now. No need to sit around brooding. Take a hour or two a day to contact the people you love or older people that need help. This can be a special time for all of us if we just approach it the right way.

ReenieHJ · March 2020

I'm okay; always been happier alone anyways. I do get a bit stir crazy at times and let my mind wander way too much, then get all stressed out over everything. I think my kids are getting sick of my 'nagging' to make sure they're still alright.

If anyone starts going stir crazy, call your friends and family. They're probably all in the same boat right now and one thing we DON'T want to lose through all of this is our human connection with others.

RelCanonical · March 2020

I already worked from home a lot. What is impacting me now is that seems to be the only thing that's remained constant. I feel like I have nothing to look forward to because I don't think I'll be able to take the trip I've been desperate to take that was planned for April. I also can't go to the library or anywhere for a change of scenery. I feel like I need to save money right now and that is also making me feel paralyzed and like I'm stuck in a work rut.

NorthCascades · March 2020

Work is fantastic. Unfortunately I'm on a contract which ends in July and can't be extended. And we're headed into a recession, so it'll be hard to find a new job when the time comes. 😯

I get cabin fever pretty bad. I need to change my surroundings. I'm also not thrilled about cutting out all (in person) social contact, but too much time at home is bad for me.

Fortunately even in SF which is much stricter than Seattle for the time being, you can go out for exercise. As long as we get that, I'll be ok.

Tail0rMade22 · March 2020

Gyms are being closed in my area. It's one thing choosing to stay home, it's another thing to be forced to stay home.

I think I am going to try to do workouts inside and take walks around my neighborhood if possible. I am taking online classes so most of the day I am unfortunately glued to my computer. If anyone is looking for online friends during this difficult time, please feel free to add me. I'm very new to MFP and I am really loving this website so far. Keep your head up everyone, I hope this ends soon.

Theoldguy1 · March 2020

Nope. I'm fortunate that I can work from home. I live in a subdivision of a smaller city that has sidewalks and minimal traffic were I can walk/bike without getting within 6 ft of people, especially now the weather is getting better. Have some exercise equipment, that while I will miss my gym I can do a bunch of stuff in the 3rd stall of the garage.

spiriteagle99 · March 2020

I'm used to social isolation as my husband and I are basically hermits. As long as I can continue to exercise, I should be okay. I'm feeling a lot of anxiety about all the members of my family that are over 60 and about the economic consequences of this shutdown. I also feel like I have nothing to look forward to since our plans for the spring and summer have all been cancelled. Being prone to depression, I know I need to keep active or I will spiral down.

One thing that helped me a few years ago when I was injured and couldn't run was to try to take control of the things I could control, which at the time mostly meant my diet. I ended up losing weight even though I couldn't walk because that was something that was entirely in my hands.

garber6th · March 2020

I'm more concerned about my mental health. I live alone, but I am also a very social person, and I feel like not being able to socialize and connect will be super depressing.

Athijade · March 2020

I suffer from anxiety and depression. I am now working from home which helps my anxiety, but actually makes my depression worse because work is one of the only times I have face to face contact with people. Plus I can't go visit some of my family because of high risk individuals and I simply can't be sure I am not infected. When you have been working around a bunch of people, you just can't take that risk.

My anxiety is also super bad because I can't make a simple meal plan. I have no idea what I will be able to get at the store Friday morning. So I can't plan to make a specific meal. I know that sounds silly, but planning stuff like that helps me deal with anxiety (and OCD). trying to figure out how I am going to handle this trip.

Gisel2015 · March 2020

I fell and broke my right wrist on 2/11; on a cast for the last 5 weeks and until 3/26-if everything is OK with f/up weekly x-rays. My husband and I are on self imposed social isolation due to our advance age, and going out for doctor's appoint. or shopping only.

I can' exercise and I can't do much in the house either to keep me busy due to pain, swelling, and the need to heal. Even typing with my left hand is very uncomfortable; so yes, I am having anxiety and frustration right now because I'm depending on my husband for driving and for taking care of many things, specially in the house. He can only cook breakfast on his own, but he helps with lunch and dinner.

i'm not an emotional eater; actually, stress curbs my appetite and I'm loosing unwanted wt since I have been in maintenance for 10 years, and I'm already petite. We all have to deal with our personal situation the best we can.

Edited to add that, except for breakfast - part of Meals-, and I'm not weighting or logging my food, because is too much extra work for me and increased my anxiety.

Something to consider for those of you in danger of emotional over eating. The more you eat, the sooner you will be running out of food, which will force you to go out to buy more risking the chance of infection, and the possibility that stores will be empty.

amusedmonkey · March 2020

It will be business as usual for me minus a few hangouts (I work from home), so nothing different in terms of weight management or staying at home. I'm what I call a social introvert (I can be pretty social if I want to, but I also thrive alone). I have always been good at entertaining myself inside because I'm used to being bed bound for a few days to a few weeks every now and then, so it will be the same minus the pain (hopefully). I usually tolerate these times very well.

The main change will be that I'm used to being alone most of the day, now I will be cooped up with other people. I feel this may affect my mental health somewhat and could be a bit suffocating, but that's not my main concern. My main concern is that some members of my family aren't used to staying at home. They're very social and basically come home just to sleep. I'm worried about their mental health, so if their mental health deteriorates so will mine.

sammidelvecchio · March 2020

It is affecting both for me pretty bad already. Stress and anxiety are triggers for my fibromyalgia, as well as some mental health issues. I'm just trying to take it day by day and take care of myself as best I can.

steveko89 · March 2020

For me individually it will be business as usual. I'm fortunate that I've amassed a decent home gym and workout exclusively at home. I'm also fortunate that my job can be done 100% remotely as well so there's not really the threat of lost income to worry about either. Other than general cortisol levels being up, I'll be fine with isolation/social distancing; as an introvert I'm actually looking forward to it a little more than I ought given the circumstances.

However, my wife very easily gets cabin fever and is already struggling with not being able to do much out of the house especially with our 15-month old. She's really been liking taking him to library programming, etc. and was hoping the weather would continue to improve for more trips to the zoo, parks, museums, etc.

COGypsy · March 2020

I'm more worried about my mental health than my physical health. I'm very much an extrovert. I have activities or plans most nights and all through the weekend. My apartment is usually just a place I sleep, shower, and store my stuff. The isolation of working from home is overwhelming already. Work has been going very slowly and I'm glad my conference calls have all been on mute because I've been on the verge of tears all morning. My university is re-evaluating the work from home mandate on March 27th and I'm really hoping it doesn't go past then. I have a feeling it will, but if I focus on that for any length of time I will absolutely lose my *kitten*. I have so many friends that have already been laid off or had to leave their work because of this that I feel like a monster complaining about it, but not being around people is basically my own personal hell. And of course, this happens right after I'd gotten past a particularly bad bout of seasonal depression.... It's getting hard to believe I'll ever feel good again right now.

lgfrie · March 2020

The difference between full lock-down quarantine and our normal routine has been so minimal for me and my wife that we've been wondering this past week if we really need to get out more.

Lillymoo01 · March 2020

I am another that is most worried about my mental health. If I catch the virus I know I am fit and healthy, putting me in a low-risk category. However, my husband is over 60 and my daughter has chronic asthma so this is a concern. As far as my mental health goes, I am an introvert by nature so being alone is more the norm. In saying that, my social interaction which I know is very important for ongoing good mental health is being diminished with the cancellation of all face-to-face uni classes. Added to that, the prospect of having my family home around me all the time, and my anxiety levels are increasing by the day. This, in turn, will affect my depression. If I can't get out of the house and walk I don't know how well I will cope. I am thinking that if it does get to a point of self-isolation, I will still risk a walk in the early hours of the morning when no-one else is up and about. It is easy enough to give someone a wide berth if I happen to see someone else doing the same.

kshama2001 · March 2020

lgfrie wrote: »

The difference between full lock-down quarantine and our normal routine has been so minimal for me and my wife that we've been wondering this past week if we really need to get out more.

Yes, my OH and I already work from home, and I've been doing that since 2011. Plus I'm an introvert.

However, I am prone to being anxious, so although my actual routine won't be changed much except for on Sundays, my stress has gone up.

Prepping two weeks ago helped with that anxiety. Also, yesterday I lost the dental guard that keeps me from grinding my teeth and today I did some deep cleaning while looking for that, and that was surprisingly soothing.

Actually, all forms of exercise help me manage stress, so I need to just keep making that a priority.

privy95 · March 2020

I am not anxious about this, but I have 5 children at home who are concerned about their whole world and entire network of friends “collapsing.” They of course use social media, texting, online contact, etc. but we have spent their lifetimes teaching them to invest personally in others. This distancing is so foreign to them. I am concerned about their mental health. And I don’t have any snswers for them.

Diatonic12 · March 2020

We've been gearing up for quarantine and sheltering in place for years. We've practiced by binge watching all of our favorite shows, streaming hours and hours of TV and distracting ourselves with comfort foods. If we can go outside for daily walks and maintain our normal sleep routines it will help us maintain our sanity.

lemurcat2 · March 2020

I am not worried about physical health. Not being able to run outside would be awful, but I'm set up for exercise inside that I enjoy and would have extra time not having to commute. I also have largely hoarded (not really) foods that make weight loss/maintenance easier for me and would have added incentive to focus on cooking.

I am worried about mental health. I get down when I stay at home and reduce human contact more than a couple of days, and the thought of working from home has always been something I dreaded even though I can entertain myself pretty well (and have a great book collection). The obsession with the virus doesn't really help my mental health, of course.

For work-related reasons, I've been going to work this week -- couldn't do what I'm doing from home nearly as well. If a certain court pushes deadlines that will likely end after tomorrow, but more likely (barring state action which I do not currently expect to come that soon), it will end after Friday. I'm liking work at the moment as I can drive in (I probably took public transit longer than I should have), the office is mostly empty (I am social distancing there), but there is some human interaction necessarily and I am able to maintain a routine and feeling of normality more than otherwise. Been washing my hands obsessively, of course.

One thing we've been talking about at my workplace (largely by phone) is how to maintain productivity and -- more important -- a feeling of connection and teamwork, and are instituting regular calls (smaller and larger groups) and ways to check on each other. I'm doing that with others too, but have just never been a phone person so it's more challenging in general. I bet we move more to stuff like Skype too, which in the past I would have been resistant too, but think might be a good idea.

DancingMoosie · March 2020

I basically use my DVD collection and YouTube to do a workout or 2 first thing, then I walk in front of the TV while I watch a show. I try to walk a lot during the day, taking the dogs out and around the house. I'm trying to plan meals around the groceries we have, using fresh produce first, then pantry items. Cleaning, organizing, laundry...a little reading for fun.

Just try to keep busy and out of the snacks. Making a schedule kind of helps. I do worry about how much strength I'll lose while away from the weight room, and how long it will take to get it back.

It seems employers are really trying to take care of employees, so not worrying too much about income atm. Even insurance companies covering virus related costs. I just hope this is resolved soon.

Danp · March 2020

I'll survive quarantine just fine. In fact quarantine and isolation sounds both pretty great and not really that much different than normal for me.

Psychologically, I've never been anti-social but at the same time have never been one to be out of sorts through lack of company. I just plain enjoy being by myself most of the time. I'm happy to do my own thing and if someone comes along then that's fine but if not then I'll do my thing solo just as happily.

Physically, I guess it will make it more difficult to be as active as I am now. There are far fewer steps from the bedroom to the couch than from the front door of my house to the building I work at. There's also much less moving around and walking when you're attending all your meetings via teleconference as opposed to actually going to meeting rooms. Just requires a bit of concerted effort to make sure I get up and move more during the day. Not that hard to do.

I also suppose that situations like this make the whole 'keep weight loss in the kitchen and fitness in the gym' separation more relevant. I mean if you were reliant on getting to the gym or hitting the pavement in order to create your calorie deficit then being housebound would have a pretty significant impact on your weight management where as keeping them separated means the impact is minimal and you're more likely to continue on your way.

Katmary71 · March 2020

DancingMoosie wrote: »

I basically use my DVD collection and YouTube to do a workout or 2 first thing, then I walk in front of the TV while I watch a show. I try to walk a lot during the day, taking the dogs out and around the house. I'm trying to plan meals around the groceries we have, using fresh produce first, then pantry items. Cleaning, organizing, laundry...a little reading for fun.

Just try to keep busy and out of the snacks. Making a schedule kind of helps. I do worry about how much strength I'll lose while away from the weight room, and how long it will take to get it back.

It seems employers are really trying to take care of employees, so not worrying too much about income atm. Even insurance companies covering virus related costs. I just hope this is resolved soon.

This is me exactly, I get up and do a workout to start the day off with 5000 steps, have DVDs and You Tube workouts I'm doing, and I'm worried about losing ground in the gym! Has Fit has some good strength training ones if you have dumbbells but my heaviest at home is 10lbs and I use more at the gym. I have recipes marked for what I have in the house, just have to decide what I want to make next. Thank goodness for books and TV (I march in front of the TV during shows too!), though I was on a Robin Cook streak (medical thrillers) and that's not the best to be reading right now! I've been decluttering this year so that keeps me busy too.

Mentally, sticking to a schedule can definitely help, the routine is good for the mind. I struggle with anxiety and depression and making sleep a priority, exercising every day, and staying busy helps a lot. It's been hard not being able to get out of the house and am actually looking forward to going to the grocery store later this week though I'm dreading it too!

klrenn · March 2020

As the resident anxiety sufferer of my family surprisingly I’m the most even keeled of us during all of this.

I think that since I’m an introvert and usually on mid-high alert, this is nothing new to me.

I’m a bit down because I can’t get out as much as I’d like or do my usual workouts, but otherwise ok.

My husband is super anxious now, and my younger kid has super cabin fever.

We usually have awesome conversations at dinner, but since we now are all in the same house all the time, the only new topic of conversation is Coronavirus. Very depressing. There’s nothing else to talk about.

lightenup2016 · March 2020

I’m just happy we have a greenway trail through our neighborhood that goes for miles in both directions. I surely hope they don’t “close” it, due to lack of maintenance or something like that. The races I’ve been training and gearing up for have all been cancelled, so I have to somehow keep myself motivated to continue losing weight and improving my running. We have a yard, so thankfully the kids can easily get outside. My sister is in Chicago in a small apartment with a toddler. I would go stir crazy there! I work from home and our kids go to a hybrid school (2 days/week at the school, 3 days/week doing school assignments at home), so not a huge difference for us, but hubby will now be working from home as well. We’ll see how it goes!!

midlomel1971 · March 2020

Other than my kids already being super-bored, it hasn't yet.

Will a quarantine affect your physical and mental health?

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