Are we starting to see the impacts of social isolation on our bodies and minds? First off, it’s important to remember that isolation doesn’t just numb your brain, people start getting lethargic when they don’t have positive inputs into our small worlds. I was okay at the beginning of lockdown, but now I’ll admit it’s kind of taking a toll on me. If you have a very well defined period of time in which you are isolated, people tend to do pretty well up until the halfway point, but when you are in a situation like we are now, when you are not certain how long you will be asked to maintain social distance, it creates anxiety.
I was starting to feel restless and kind of achy in my legs. When I went to the hospital I discovered my Vitamin D level had dropped drastically. We usually get most of the Vitamin D we need from the sun. But as we approach week 8 of lockdown, many of us are not spending as much time outdoors as we need to. As well as protecting our bones and teeth, Vitamin D also helps to prevent us from getting sick, something which is vital during a pandemic. Our skin naturally makes Vitamin D when it is exposed to the sun.
Some studies suggest avoiding deficiency helps our resilience to common colds and flu, although there is no evidence that Vitamin D boosts the immune system. So this week I would just like to remind you to try and get some Vitamin D via sunlight in the early hours of the morning, even if that means sitting in your garden, your balcony or standing outside of your house.




*The author is a consultant and coach. Instagram handle: @miss_shefa,  Website: missshefa.com
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