The Impact of Stay-at-Home Orders


October 2, 2020


The stay-at-home orders have been imposed to many countries worldwide in the attempt to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. In the Philippines, Filipinos were hopeful that President Rodrigo Duterte will ease Metro Manila and other areas into MGCQ from general community quarantine beginning October 1. But, last September 28, President Duterte announced that GCQ will be extended until October 31, 2020 in NCR, Batangas, Tacloban and Bacolod City

People may have not noticed the effects of community quarantine on their mental health, but experts say that physical touch plays a very important role in our physical and mental development. Thus, isolation can lead to anxiety and may increase the feeling of loneliness.

Learn more: Maintaining Your Mental Health in the Midst of Crisis

Since the start of the lockdown many of us spend more time in front of the television, mobile devices or computers. Let’s find out what the negative effects of these restrictions on us are and the best solutions to take in order to reduce the impact.

Impulsive online buying. Boredom can make us susceptible to making unplanned purchases. Imagine all the promotions, limited-time offer sales, free shipping or discount vouchers that you see while browsing the internet. Who would not fall into these marketing tactics?

During this crisis, online shopping is the most comfortable and safest way to buy things. In fact, according to one research, retail therapy can help a person cope with stress, live a happier life, reduce blood pressure and make your heart healthy.

But, don’t use this situation as an excuse to splurge on unnecessary things. It’s still best to make a list of what you need to buy and stick to your budget. Don’t get swayed by what you see on the internet or what your friends buy. It’s important to stay track of your finances because you don’t want to end up in debt after this pandemic ends.

As the best solution, you can turn your hobby into a profit. That way, it can keep you busy and at the same time help you earn extra money.

Read more: Smart Money Moves To Do During COVID-19 Isolation

Weight gain. The life under lockdown disrupts our daily routine and affects our physical activities which is a major cause of weight gain. Some of us who are working from home while taking care of the kids may not have time to prepare healthy meals and snacks. Furthermore, gyms and other sports facilities are closed which makes it more difficult for us to do our daily workout routine.

Sedentary lifestyle, stress and depression may increase food cravings that may result in weight gain. That’s why even at quarantine, you have to combat it. As much as possible, stay fit and keep your weight within your target range. You can also do some techniques such as staying hydrated, exercising, planning your meals and stocking up on healthy food in order to lose or maintain weight during and after the lockdown.

Read more: Your Defense Against COVID-19

Sickness. People still get sick despite staying home because germs are everywhere and the best way to prevent them from leading to infections or sickness is to wash our hands well, avoid touching our eyes, nose and mouth, and don’t go near a sick person. Aside from that, social isolation can trigger certain health conditions especially for the elderly who can’t visit their doctors as often as they used to for their checkups or laboratory tests.

Sickness is one of life’s risks and the best way to prepare for it is to plan ahead. We need protection that can reduce financial loss and safeguard our loved ones’ future. You should consider getting insurance while you are still young and healthy because it can be one of your financial sources during a difficult or traumatic period in your life.

Paramount Direct provides your insurance needs in one place. We offer both health and life insurance products, for ages 18 to 75, that can look after you and your dependents during uncertain times.

Our health insurance products give you cash benefits that can be used for your living expenses while you can’t work, pay off loans or bills, assist you with your medical expenses and more. While our life and accident insurance products with its immediate payment of life benefits, helps your loved ones financially. Proceeds from your life insurance can be used for your kids’ future educational expenses, pay off debts or support your family’s daily needs.

For more information about our products, go to www.paramountdirect.com or if you have queries or concerns, call or visit our offices or email direct@paramount.com.ph.

Stay safe, calm and at peace as we survive this pandemic with wellness for a healthier new normal life.


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