Bad Habits Caused / Exacerbated by Covid-19 Lockdowns

[Sensualswitch10]

I've got a confession. My bad habits have gotten a lot worse lately because of the Covid-19 lockdown.

I've been fortunate that I work in an "essential" field, but nevertheless my life has been strongly negatively impacted. Before things were locked down, I had been regularly exercising at my gym for about 7 or 8 weeks. Elliptical for cardio plus weight training. Then they closed the gyms. I had been playing volleyball twice a week, but now all the leagues have been suspended. I had cut back on drinking, which tends to be a struggle for a lot of people in my state. I had cut way back on pot smoking. I had a pretty fulfilling social life.

Welp, now I've got nothing to do and my drinking and smoking have gone way up. Last night, I was in bed before 7 PM. I've put on about 5 pounds in the last 2 months because of inactivity, unhealthy / excessive eating, elevated alcohol and marijuana consumption and a general feeling of depression. I'm not trying to have a pity party, just venting.

Is anybody else in the same boat?

 

[Tenebrae]

First off, sorry to hear all this. My sympathies

I have definitely put up some 3kgs, and my wife is starting to get concerned about it. Thank God I do not have any bad habits (I don't smoke, I drink very little, I am very disciplined...) but I have gotten a bit complacent. I spent a lot of time reading instead of exercising, I don't go out as much as I should; I force myself to take a walk every day after I am off work around 3pm to enjoy the sun and/or pick up the groceries. But I cannot muster the motivation to exercise by myself; I feel like an idiot doing pushups and planks without supervision. I much preferred the gym, with my personal trainer. Instead, I'd rather make myself a cup of tea and spend 3 hours on the couch reading a novel or an essay, then play a video game for couple of hours more before dinner. Sometimes I join my wife outside, other times I cook for both of us.

Life could be worse, but I am definitely less "active" than before. I don't know whether that qualifies as a "bad habit" but it is definitely something I will have to shake off once I start going back to the office and the gym.

 

[Yote]

Sorry to hear that. I hope your habits will get better soon.

The only habit I've developed is eating a little more than usual. Since later last year, I have been trying to cut down on stomach fat and hopefully get abs. I was making good progress and my fat was significantly going down, until about April. I've been having meals with more carbs or processed ingredients, and I snack on candy now and then. I noticed some fat was returning, but nothing serious.

While I work on breaking that habit, I still try to exercise every day. I don't usually go to the gym in general, so my "routine" consists of jogging, push-ups, jump rope, etc. Though I'm considering a gym routine once I can do one.

 

[chicago]

I'm sorry to hear, sensual. I have been a bit in the same boat as you in terms of health, snacking, etc. Got back in the swing of exercising at least tho.

It's a very depressing time for everyone. No comparisons necessary

 

[milagros317]

I am sad that you are having such a tough time, Sensualswitch10.

Since retiring in 2016, I have been going to the gym three times a week both for 40 minutes on the treadmill (going about 2.8 miles) and for a one hour class (called Silver Sneakers) for people on Medicare. The class features balance, flexibility, strength, and aerobics. With the gyms all closed here, I now walk about three miles in Central Park three times a week but I have not replaced the activities of the class. 🙁

On the positive side, I am no longer able to pig out in restaurants.

Also, trips planned for April had to be canceled, one to friends in Massachusetts and one to my brother and sister-in-law in Maryland. Both trips would have involved serious overeating as well as the expense of traveling via Amtrak and bringing gifts. As a result of all this missed overeating, I have been eating lean at home. Because of this, I now weigh five pounds less than I did at the beginning of the lockdown, 133 down from 138.

One bad habit I have resumed due to the lockdown: buying pornograhy (for the first time this century). In the 1990's, I bought lots of foot tickling tapes, all F/f, in VHS format. When I began seeing Mistress Zara in 1999, I ceased buying porn and used photos taken during our sessions for inspiration between sessions.

But being home so much now under lockdown, I have bought six foot fetish tapes (not involving tickling, just plain women's bare feet) in the past month. (In case anybody cares, they were from this website: https://feetfair.com/ )

Oh well, as bad habits go, using porn is not harmful to your health.

I used to have my beard trimmed by the barber with every haircut. I was due for a haircut on March 20th. With all salons and barber shops closed, my beard has grown to an alarming length. (See photo below.)

Finally, since Goddess Shelly lives within walking distance of me, we have continued our sessions together without change. I thank God for that.

 

[Ticklishcowboy]

Nice pic Milagros. I've always been curious about your appearance.

 

[Sensualswitch10]

First off, sorry to hear all this. My sympathies

I have definitely put up some 3kgs, and my wife is starting to get concerned about it. Thank God I do not have any bad habits (I don't smoke, I drink very little, I am very disciplined...) but I have gotten a bit complacent. I spent a lot of time reading instead of exercising, I don't go out as much as I should; I force myself to take a walk every day after I am off work around 3pm to enjoy the sun and/or pick up the groceries. But I cannot muster the motivation to exercise by myself; I feel like an idiot doing pushups and planks without supervision. I much preferred the gym, with my personal trainer. Instead, I'd rather make myself a cup of tea and spend 3 hours on the couch reading a novel or an essay, then play a video game for couple of hours more before dinner. Sometimes I join my wife outside, other times I cook for both of us.

Life could be worse, but I am definitely less "active" than before. I don't know whether that qualifies as a "bad habit" but it is definitely something I will have to shake off once I start going back to the office and the gym.

Thank you, I appreciate that. Glad to hear that you are by and large staying healthy!

 

[Sensualswitch10]

Sorry to hear that. I hope your habits will get better soon.

The only habit I've developed is eating a little more than usual. Since later last year, I have been trying to cut down on stomach fat and hopefully get abs. I was making good progress and my fat was significantly going down, until about April. I've been having meals with more carbs or processed ingredients, and I snack on candy now and then. I noticed some fat was returning, but nothing serious.

While I work on breaking that habit, I still try to exercise every day. I don't usually go to the gym in general, so my "routine" consists of jogging, push-ups, jump rope, etc. Though I'm considering a gym routine once I can do one.

Thank you, I appreciate the sentiment. I hope you're able to get back on track with your fitness goals. I tried jogging a few times after my gym closed, but it caused joint pain in my knees and hips so I stopped. Maybe I'll give it another try. I personally find it much easier to curtail other bad habits when regular exercise is part of my routine. Maybe it's the endorphins.

 

[Sensualswitch10]

I'm sorry to hear, sensual. I have been a bit in the same boat as you in terms of health, snacking, etc. Got back in the swing of exercising at least tho.

It's a very depressing time for everyone. No comparisons necessary

Thank you chicago. It is indeed depressing and I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling too. I'm typically a pretty sociable person and things feel so different now. I used to commonly make small talk with random strangers at the store. Now it feels like people barely make eye contact while they shuffle through life as if they're afraid everyone else has the virus. And the masks make it impossible to share a smile. It seems trivial, but it's just getting a little demoralizing.

 

[Sensualswitch10]

I am sad that you are having such a tough time, Sensualswitch10.

Since retiring in 2016, I have been going to the gym three times a week both for 40 minutes on the treadmill (going about 2.8 miles) and for a one hour class (called Silver Sneakers) for people on Medicare. The class features balance, flexibility, strength, and aerobics. With the gyms all closed here, I now walk about three miles in Central Park three times a week but I have not replaced the activities of the class. 🙁

On the positive side, I am no longer able to pig out in restaurants.

Also, trips planned for April had to be canceled, one to friends in Massachusetts and one to my brother and sister-in-law in Maryland. Both trips would have involved serious overeating as well as the expense of traveling via Amtrak and bringing gifts. As a result of all this missed overeating, I have been eating lean at home. Because of this, I now weigh five pounds less than I did at the beginning of the lockdown, 133 down from 138.

One bad habit I have resumed due to the lockdown: buying pornograhy (for the first time this century). In the 1990's, I bought lots of foot tickling tapes, all F/f, in VHS format. When I began seeing Mistress Zara in 1999, I ceased buying porn and used photos taken during our sessions for inspiration between sessions.

But being home so much now under lockdown, I have bought six foot fetish tapes (not involving tickling, just plain women's bare feet) in the past month. (In case anybody cares, they were from this website: https://feetfair.com/ )

Oh well, as bad habits go, using porn is not harmful to your health.

I used to have my beard trimmed by the barber with every haircut. I was due for a haircut on March 20th. With all salons and barber shops closed, my beard has grown to an alarming length. (See photo below.)

Finally, since Goddess Shelly lives within walking distance of me, we have continued our sessions together without change. I thank God for that.

Thank you Milagros, I appreciate your concern. I'm sorry you had to miss out on seeing your friends and family, and of course missing NEST.

I dig the beard. It makes you look more wizardly. As we know, you are a mathemagician! 😀

 

[asutickler]

I'm kinda feeling it, too. Contrary to any reasonable prediction, my work is busier than ever during this whole mess. Both from a volume standpoint and a per-transaction complexity standpoint. Working from home is awesome, but it hasn't lessened my normal work-related stress load any. And the necessity of staying at home most of the time adds an extra layer to that. I normally don't like to leave the house, I'd rather hang out here and chill. But staying at home because you feel like it is a far cry from staying home because you have to. Like you said, it's depressing. My alcohol consumption hasn't really increased, but my food consumption sure as shit has. I still work out regularly, but I've only been doing strength training. (My gym is in a spare bedroom, so it didn't close.) It's my single greatest source of stress relief, but it also doesn't do a lot to counter the (SIGNIFICANT) amount of additional calories I've been consuming. I've gained 15 pounds since the start of this shit. I try to mentally justify it as "bulking," but it sure as hell isn't all muscle.

 

[Mitchell]

Sensual, very sorry about your situation.

This is a terrible time for everyone in the world.

As for myself:

Other than maybe putting on a few pounds, which may go up now as Chinese takeout in my town was closed for a long time, but reopened today, I think,.

I don't drink or smoke, as I can't due to my condition. I never did much even before I started having seizures.

My only "hobby", (Really bad habit), gambling, is closed.

I've cut it way down in recent years from where it used to be, but I still go.

Acqueduct Racetrack, about a half hour from me, has been closed after NY Governor Andrew Cuomo's mandate in mid March on large gatherings.

I have a strong feeling that it will be a long time before either that, or Atlantic City, reopen. Casinos draw such huge crowds that it would be almost impossible for them to reopen with any kind of "Social Distancing" due to the sheer numbers of people in the horse or slot areas of the casino.

On some beautiful Saturdays, I awaken, and think. "Oh. if the casino was open, I would be there today".

I hope it opens sometime this summer, but I have a feeling it may not.

I hope that things get better for you, Sensual. Take care of yourself.

Mitch

 

[Miss Serendipity]

Sorry to hear about your struggles.We are certainly living in unprecedented times. Its definitely depressing. While I don't smoke and I am not a big drinker. I can relate in terms of food consumption.
I've definitely been eating/snacking more than I should and that has lead to excess pounds. For what its worth; You're not alone. This Covid-19 thing is wrecking all sort of havoc in so many lives. Hang in there!

 

[TMF Jeff]

Same here - I lost about 25 lbs last year, and I've put ten of it back on in the last two months.

 

[porcelaindoll2]

My depression has gotten worse, but I am trying my best to stay positive and I know that probably everyone with mental health issues has been having it worse since this pandemic got started. I also have been snacking more and gave up on my diet. My husband thankfully bought me an elliptical machine plus I already owned resistance bands and a set of kettlebell weights I bought at Aldi. The struggle to push myself to workout is real, but I am trying.

 

[Tenebrae]

My depression has gotten worse, but I am trying my best to stay positive and I know that probably everyone with mental health issues has been having it worse since this pandemic got started. I also have been snacking more and gave up on my diet. My husband thankfully bought me an elliptical machine plus I already owned resistance bands and a set of kettlebell weights I bought at Aldi. The struggle to push myself to workout is real, but I am trying.

Awww I did not know you were depressed, really sorry to hear it I hope that you will be over that soon. Full support to you, gonna send positive energy you way!

 

[Bohemianne]

I've got a confession. My bad habits have gotten a lot worse lately because of the Covid-19 lockdown.

I've been fortunate that I work in an "essential" field, but nevertheless my life has been strongly negatively impacted. Before things were locked down, I had been regularly exercising at my gym for about 7 or 8 weeks. Elliptical for cardio plus weight training. Then they closed the gyms. I had been playing volleyball twice a week, but now all the leagues have been suspended. I had cut back on drinking, which tends to be a struggle for a lot of people in my state. I had cut way back on pot smoking. I had a pretty fulfilling social life.

Welp, now I've got nothing to do and my drinking and smoking have gone way up. Last night, I was in bed before 7 PM. I've put on about 5 pounds in the last 2 months because of inactivity, unhealthy / excessive eating, elevated alcohol and marijuana consumption and a general feeling of depression. I'm not trying to have a pity party, just venting.

Is anybody else in the same boat?

^ I read you. Hope we all make it during this trying times. In the first two weeks I am (literally) too afraid of contracting the virus and dying from it. I am still very afraid until now, especially for my kid, more than anything else. It would be a worst fate for an artist who wants everything in life for sure. So I don't have any problem being instructed to stay home.

These readings about the effects of pandemic only make me aware on how it could cause psychological problems, which I thought don't exist until I realize how cranky and irritable it made me recently. It impacted my sleep pattern: it's either I overwork (because I had this worst habit of fighting sleep) or I end up over-sleeping like there is no more tomorrow. For the past weeks, I have been struggling just to simply sleep decently -- it would need more than will power. One of my RL major project turn-overs, supposed done by April first week, got deferred 'til now. It added to my already silent stress.

Just try to continue living... Carry on. 🙁

 

[Tenebrae]

^ I read you. Hope we all make it during this trying times. In the first two weeks I am (literally) too afraid of contracting the virus and dying from it. I am still very afraid until now, especially for my kid, more than anything else. It would be a worst fate for an artist who wants everything in life for sure. So I don't have any problem being instructed to stay home.

These readings about the effects of pandemic only make me aware on how it could cause psychological problems, which I thought don't exist until I realize how cranky and irritable it made me recently. It impacted my sleep pattern: it's either I overwork (because I had this worst habit of fighting sleep) or I end up over-sleeping like there is no more tomorrow. For the past weeks, I have been struggling just to simply sleep decently -- it would need more than will power. One of my RL major project turn-overs, supposed done by April first week, got deferred 'til now. It added to my already silent stress.

Just try to continue living... Carry on. 🙁

Aw man Sounds like you really had it rough. I hope things will get better for you soon

 

[Bohemianne]

Aw man Sounds like you really had it rough. I hope things will get better for you soon

Aaaaw, thank you, Tenebrae. 🙂

 

[Tenebrae]

Aaaaw, thank you, Tenebrae. 🙂

You're welcome, anytime

 

[gnomes101982]

I've got a confession. My bad habits have gotten a lot worse lately because of the Covid-19 lockdown.

I've been fortunate that I work in an "essential" field, but nevertheless my life has been strongly negatively impacted. Before things were locked down, I had been regularly exercising at my gym for about 7 or 8 weeks. Elliptical for cardio plus weight training. Then they closed the gyms. I had been playing volleyball twice a week, but now all the leagues have been suspended. I had cut back on drinking, which tends to be a struggle for a lot of people in my state. I had cut way back on pot smoking. I had a pretty fulfilling social life.

Welp, now I've got nothing to do and my drinking and smoking have gone way up. Last night, I was in bed before 7 PM. I've put on about 5 pounds in the last 2 months because of inactivity, unhealthy / excessive eating, elevated alcohol and marijuana consumption and a general feeling of depression. I'm not trying to have a pity party, just venting.

Is anybody else in the same boat?

Just read this thread. I've been working from home since May 1st and won't be going back before probably like May or 2021. I am probably masturbating 2-3 times almost daily since being home. This is not a good pattern for me to be in.

 

[me4o]

Just because gyms are closed, that doesn't mean we should stay at home and do nothing all day. Sorry if it sounds like "tough love", but there're plenty of options - work out at home, go for walks, get a dog... I mean, I know it sucks to not be able to move around freely and live a normal, regular life, but we have to adapt.

I personally bought weights and I lift at home, and I also walk my dog 3 times a day. So yeah, it's not about making excuses, it's about finding motivation 🙂

 

[Barbershopman]

Sorry to hear about all the struggles, I have put on a few pounds just like about everyone with the lack of activity. Positive vibes being sent to anyone and everyone that can use them. I know that's not much, but a positive attitude can do more for your well being than you know.

I have battled depression in the past and thank goodness I had friends to get me through. Having said that, I guess I'm one of the lucky people. Hearing about the struggles of others, I have to count my blessings that my work is deemed essential so I'm not dealing with the worries of no paycheck that others have been. Plus have been and I have been Zooming with friends to keep in touch even if it is only virtual.

I hope everyone finds something that keeps them happy and their spirits up during these trying times. Even if it is coming here and connecting with others. Please stay strong and positive everyone.

Barbershopman

 

[gnomes101982]

Just because gyms are closed, that doesn't mean we should stay at home and do nothing all day. Sorry if it sounds like "tough love", but there're plenty of options - work out at home, go for walks, get a dog... I mean, I know it sucks to not be able to move around freely and live a normal, regular life, but we have to adapt.

I personally bought weights and I lift at home, and I also walk my dog 3 times a day. So yeah, it's not about making excuses, it's about finding motivation 🙂

I do most of those things and I'm actually in better shape now than I ever was when I was in the office all day. I bought a pull up bar, abdominal roller, and push up stands, and do a quick full body workout every other day (I do one-leg split squats with bodyweight for my lower half). However, that consumes like less than an hour of my day. I was usually in the office between 9 and 5pm so that's 8 full hours I couldn't look at porn or watch television. Then I would be super busy at home getting stuff done. Now, because I'm home all day, I have at least a solid 4-5 hours of free time I didn't usually have at the office so I'm finding I'm fulfilling it with porn habits out of sheer boredom.

 

[chicago]

If there's time to lean, there's time to clean