How did the Lockdown Affect our Lifestyle?

Cyprus is no longer under lock-down and most of the movement restrictions have been relaxed.  Most people are back at work and are again enjoying the beach, countryside, and mountains.

But how did the lockdown affect our lifestyle? 

The University of Nicosia Medical School and the Department of Health and Life Sciences invited adults residing in Cyprus to participate in a study with the aim to see how lifestyle habits changed between February 2020 and the time when Cyprus was in lock-down due to COVID-19 (from 15 March to 20 May 2020).  People answered questions anonymously through an online questionnaire about demographics, health, and topics along the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine: healthy eating, physical activity, sleep, stress, use of risky substances, and social support.

We received 763 responses from people between 18 and 76 years of age.  Most were women, lived in an urban area/city, resided in the district of Nicosia, and did not have any diagnosed health conditions.  Most were married or in a relationship and were educated at a university level.  About two thirds of the participants were employed, 20% were students, 7% were retired, and 6% were part or full time unemployed. Of people whose working conditions changed during lock-down, about 40% worked either more or less hours and about one in four people were not working.

During the lockdown (as opposed to February 2020)

  • Healthy Eating: Only those who were fasting, as per the Greek Orthodox religious tradition before Easter, adhered more to the Mediterranean diet, a diet linked with good health.  Looking at all responses, people ate more vegetables, fresh fruit, legumes, nuts, and fish or shellfish.  However, people consumed more sugary drinks, dairy products, commercial sweets or pastries, and butter, margarine or cream.
    Physical Activity:  People spent more time sitting, but their overall physical activity did not significantly change.
  • Sleep: People slept more hours, albeit with more difficulties.  For example, more people had trouble falling asleep and more woke up at night or early in the morning.
  • Stress: People experienced more stress in their lives.  For example, more people felt nervous and stressed or unable to control important things in their lives.
  • Use of Risky Substances: People smoked more cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes and drank more alcohol.
  • Social Support: People experienced less social support.  Their ability to have positive social interactions was affected, like having a good time or getting together with someone for relaxation.

What about you?

Did your lifestyle habits improve or worsen during lock-down?  Perhaps you now find it harder to eat mostly home-cooked healthy meals or schedule movement into your day than during lock-down.

What can you do NOW for your lifestyle and better health?

Healthy Eating:  Focus on drinking water instead of sugary drinks and on filling your day with fruit, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, as prescribed by the Mediterranean diet.

Physical Activity:  Move more and sit less.  Include activities in your daily schedule.  Walk during your coffee break or when on the phone.  Get up every 30 minutes.  Walk with your family or friends, even only for 10 minutes.  Take advantage of free online activities.

Sleep Health:  Learn about tools that can help you sleep better, so that your sleep isn’t disturbed.

Stress Management:  Fill up your stress management “toolbox.”  Try out techniques such as breathing, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and exercise, so that you can cope with stressful events that come your way.

Avoiding Risky Substances:  Acknowledge your needs and feelings and use healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercise.  Try not to turn to harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol.  Call the Cyprus toll-free line 1431 or use the app in Greek FlexiQuit for help to quit smoking.

Social Support:  Use online platforms to stay connected and seek support from your friends, families, or community.  Volunteer to help others.  Find activities in art, dance, or music that you enjoy and help you connect with others.

Take a look at the Medical School’s flyer, available in English and Greek, that has more information on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while practising social distancing.

Join us!

Join us in the following free online activities, sponsored by the University of Nicosia Medical School, the Department of Health and Life Sciences, and the Primary Care Centre, to help you on your journey to a healthy lifestyle.