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Getting up from the chair I was sitting on for hours writing, I sighed and stretched myself holding my back. I needed relief. Nothing unusual for many of us, retracing our steps to think about it, is it good?
The modern lifestyle we pursue may be the beginning of an end. Fast-paced lives, cutthroat competition, deadlines, and the struggle for survival leave us little time to invest in health.
Here, we delve into some areas which impact our lives and health.
Sedentary lifestyles.
Modern living is making a notable shift to sedentary habits. The rise in desk jobs and the screen times with our gadgets now threaten the quality of life.
Obesity, a primary consequence of our inactivity, promotes diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Diet and nutrition.
Our diet has shifted from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables to that of processed foods- highly salty and sugary diets. We eat fast food with no nutritional value and a lack of satiety.
Malnutrition and overnutrition both come with a price: a healthcare burden.
Mental health
A high-pressure work environment and social media influences contribute to increased levels of stress and anxiety. Ignoring bio-circadian rhythms in favour of screen usage and graveyard shifts causes sleep disorders.
An increasing disconnect between professional and personal challenges creates mental health problems of depression and anxiety.
Environmental issues
Increasing urbanisation causes pollution; a poor air quality index impacts public health with respiratory diseases. Increased use of chemicals and pesticides in farming exposes us to various toxins through food.
Human activities trigger climate change. Global warming is disturbing the equilibrium and leads to natural disasters.
Technological impact
Technology is integral to daily life. We now live in an interconnected world more than ever. Innovations in technology have benefited us. On one hand, telemedicine has made health accessible in remote areas. On the other hand, it has contributed to computer vision syndrome, cervical spondylitis, backaches, and accelerated cancer development.
These diseases have changed the dynamics between the body and the environment.
Social and cultural changes
The blurred boundaries between work and family, increasing disposable income, declining community engagement, and single-person households contribute to isolation. As everyone continues to struggle, the modern lifestyle alters the social fabric of life with ever-dwindling life support.
Addressing the elephant in the room
Modern lifestyle impacts our health and presents a range of challenges. Understanding these impacts is crucial for us to implement strategies to improve our health outcomes.
A healthy environment reduces the health burden. Clean air, safe water, sanitation, safe use of chemicals, and sound agricultural practices determine healthy living.
It all starts with us. We must stay active setting an example for everyone in the family to follow. Explore nature, walk, and exercise in fresh air.
Never bribe your children with fast foods, chips, and candies. Keep in mind that genes have memory and our fondness for sweets is an embedded code. We will pay a heavy price in the form of diabetes or some other disease.
Be assertive and let everyone be independent and do their running around. A few extra steps will harm no one. It benefits the body, mind, and soul.
We need to understand that everyone faces challenges and that they need support. It helps you grow physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Although reluctant, I close my laptop and organise my doc folder. It is time to disconnect. The flashing message of 'screen time OVER' on my mobile serves me as a reminder to priortize other other activities.
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