Other problem:Weight gain

If you’re reading this at 11 a.m. and you already maxed out your recommended calories for the day, we feel you. Stay-home orders from state and local governments should come with refrigerator padlocks.

For the privileged employees who can work from home, those not working and for those still heading out the door for work, routines have been shredded. Schools, gyms and restaurants are closed. Hospitals and nursing homes forbid visitors. Vacations have been postponed. Weddings and funerals are on hold. Let’s face it. It’s a stressful time. We’re spending more time indoors, and the only thing getting a serious workout is the microwave.

We’re eating peanut butter by the spoonful, popcorn by the handful, ice cream by the bowlful. We’re eating over the kitchen sink, standing at the counter and yes, in bed. There are toast crumbs prickling flannel sheets across America right now as testament to dutifully obeying government restrictions.

Cut yourself some slack. Post-pandemic, we’ll see the return of running clubs and crowded gyms. There will be plenty of time to shrink muffin tops and get back to sensible eating. In the meantime, if the scale in the bathroom is adding to your emotional blues, apply at least some of the advice nutritionists are offering. Get out and walk. Drink more water.

And know that no matter what, summer is coming soon. Morning sun soon will stream through your windows. Cafes and bike paths will reopen. Lakes and rivers will beckon, along with barbecues and beach volleyball. It’s coming. Have hope.