How to Stay Fit and Healthy During COVID-19
We are living in unprecedented times. It’s certainly not breaking news that COVID-19 is sweeping the world, and rapidly changing our lives and routines each day. But despite the obvious disruption of being quarantined, there are still plenty of ways to stay busy, get active and maintain a sense of normalcy during these unusual times. Most importantly, we need not overlook our overall health and wellbeing, both of ourselves and others.
You’ve likely already seen plenty of suggestions floating around your social media feeds, but we decided to compile a list of suggestions below:
Continue workouts as usual. Although most gym settings have been shut down by now, fortunately there are still plenty of ways to be active, whether by an at-home workout, walk, run or hike outside, or yoga session in your backyard. In keeping a healthy immune system, it’s important to stay active, even if that may look a bit different than usual, but be careful not to workout too intensely, as this works in the opposite way we intend and weakens the immune system. At Movement Revolution, we are offering a virtual workout everyday with little to no equipment that you can complete in the comfort of your own home in a way that fits in with your current schedule and demands. All workouts can be found on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/movementrevolutionpt.
Eat healthy. Although there is never a time when this isn’t crucial, reaching for healthy, whole foods, such as plenty of fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates, is key to optimal health. Although it’s tempting to be comforted by food and reach for something processed or high in sugar, those food choices don’t serve us in the long run. Additionally, keep yourself as hydrated as possible throughout the day, which allows your body to fight illness and keep you healthy.
Reduce stress and anxiety as much as possible. This is achieved in a number of different ways and everyone has their own approach, whether through journaling, meditation, yoga, or other forms of self-care. Because chronic stress compromises the immune system, whatever efforts you can take to reduce stress is especially essential to overall health during this time.
Pick up a new hobby or revisit one of your old ones. Embrace having a little more time on your hands. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to write a book, paint more, or begin a new creative project. Jump on it!
Make a gratitude list. Although things may be a bit more hectic right now than usual, there is always something to be grateful for. It’s been shown that those with a positive mindset are far more likely to maintain a healthy immune system, and every effort we make to do helps us stay well. Try writing down 1-3 things daily that make you grateful.
Sleep, sleep sleep. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night, or as much as you can, is of critical importance in fighting illness and staying well. Catch those Zs!
Mostly importantly, stay happy and healthy. Wash your hands. Disinfect as often as possible. Stay at home. Protect yourself, family, friends, and community with everything you do.
This is, as always, not an exhaustive list. As we brave these uncertain times, let us all stay informed and alert and on top of our health. We hope you find a way to stay active, reduce stress, spend time with your loved ones either via FaceTime or in person (safely, of course), do the things you enjoy, and practice gratitude for this new way of life. We will get through this together!
This article was written by our very own Megan Carter.