I really can’t recall a memory before that we have been on forced lockdown. Literally and figuratively, we are imprisoned inside our homes due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. We are almost running out of options on what to do next, and the best activity so far is to sit in front of the television (TV). There’s really nothing wrong killing so much time by binge-watching movies.
Binge-watching is described as spending more than two hours in front of the TV. It’s like going through your third episode of a Neftlix series. According to health practitioners, we could be harming our bodies with all the time we spend getting comfortable on our couches. They offered some tips to at least deny us adding some numbers to our waistlines.
While watching, there’s a strong chance that we would be munching a family-sized bag of chips (the larger the better) while switching from Lee Min Ho to Jennifer Lopez. However, we should opt for single-serving bags or better yet, some popcorn. Popcorn is loaded with fiber and has lesser calories.
Sitting for too long can lead us to some health concerns because there might be some changes in the ways our bodies use fat and sugar since we burn less calories. It could also lead to diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is another risk because it could cause blood clot in our legs, which could go further to our lungs and block our blood flow. As experts say, the best things to do in avoiding PE are to drink plenty of water, to wear loose-fitting clothes and to walk around 30 minutes.
Prolonged sitting also puts strain our back muscles, neck and spines. It is advised that we sit straight on chairs that support our back, but it’s kind of hard doing so because getting comfortable watching TV is more on slouching and reclining.
Following the tips above, however, would not mean that we can go all night and stay up until 4 a.m. We need at least 7 hours of sleep, and the lack of it would also cause us health issues. We can binge-watch as much as we like, but bed time is also a must.
Let’s give our eyes some rest. Too much TV gives us blurry vision because our eyes get dry and sore. TVs – especially wide screen ones – should be at least five feet away from us and their brightness have already been reduced. Blinking keeps our eyes moist.
So, that’s about it. In this time of the quarantine, binge-watching is one of our boredom savers. Let’s keep our sanity intact and stay at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
It’s the least we can do to help our frontliners who risk their own lives to keep free from the virus. Our authorities might be strict in implementing lockdown, but they are just being aware of how much the disease might harm us. Let us cooperate in the fight against COVID-19./PN
