The following was written by Trip Hart for SoHaPP — The Science of Happiness and Positive Psychology:
When addressing issues caused by the pandemic, death seems to be the only long-term concern. One million is worthy of note, for sure. But what about those post-Covid souls immediately suffering severely from forever dementia? You may not have heard of it, but it has happened. For sure you’ve heard of “brain fog” and headaches occurring for many. That decline in mental acuity could be worrisome, especially if long term, as a decrease in cognitive function can be a precursor to dementia. Are drugs the answer for this problem? Not yet, as modern medicine has no protocol of drug regimens to correct this condition. What can one do?
Covid can impact any of the organs, from skin to heart and everything in between. It’s primarily a respiratory illness, so what about shortness of breath? Fatigue and lethargy is a natural occurrence when going into a hospital for Covid, but many are stuck with it for significant periods of time. Years in fact, now that we’ve endured two years of its history. Will this be a forever condition? What can one do?
Many, many people’s quality of life will be forever impacted by this pandemic. Habits for Happiness (H4H) has a suggestion that will help. The best treatment for cognitive decline and shortness of breath simply stated is being more Active. Exercise is a critical component to healing and warding off future illness. Can you bring more physical movement into your life? H4H can help you get there. You can make this change with just a little effort each day for 30 days.
Our five suggested character habits that can be strengthened in our character work off the premise that habits can be learned (or unlearned) with daily repetition over time. Experts vary, but 30 days is generally thought of as helpful for beginning to change characteristics about oneself. After 30 days you won’t instantly be a different person, but beginning to promote more of that healthy habit, you’ll naturally keep doing it over the following several months and you’ll create a new you!
While the previous habits discussed in our articles over the last three months – being more Positive, Kind and Mindful – are relevant for addressing pandemic causing issues, a deadened brain, loss of lung function and a weakened heart are all best served by being more Active. And guess what? Even if you are not suffering from any of those, your mental wellness will be boosted big time by being more Active. Also critical is properly feeding all this activity with proper portions of a wide variety of nutritious foods, appropriately balanced with each other.
It’s important to note everything is relative. A leader for us, local resident Carol Decker, has a powerful video story on our website I encourage you to view. She touches on all five habits in a very compelling way. For her becoming more Active, she had the monumental task of first rising from a chair and taking one step. Her occupational and physical therapy sessions sought minute movements, but they required Herculean effort. So wherever you find yourself, just inching in the direction of more physical movement begins success. Aerobic and weight bearing exercise, if feasible, should be addressed as both are important.
H4H’s practice from the Science of Happiness and Positive Psychology (SoHaPP) can re-wire the brain for better mental wellness. May’s article will be on the importance of Gratitude, and how it can enrich your life. But for now, use the warm weather of April as a good excuse to get outside and have fun moving more. Do just a bit more than you normally would each day, for thirty days. Go to our website sohapp.org for more information on all of these five habits, and to see Carol’s amazing video. Best of luck, and let’s get moving! From the rigors of Mt. Peak to an easy jaunt along Boise Creek by SR410, see ya on the trail!
