As life as we know it changes and physical interaction is limited, being active is more important now than ever.
Doing some form of exercise is an easy and free way to improve mental and physical health, and now is the ideal time to practice a new activity.
If you work or study from home, or are not currently working, you will not do the incidental exercise that you normally do on your commute to and from the office, work or university.
And if you're the type of person who likes to be active in a group, your usual activities like gym classes and team sports are no longer an option.
When you add the above to higher than usual anxiety levels, you begin to see why a stretch in your living room might be helpful at this time!
Physical activity helps our body and mind in many ways, but here are some of the keys:
- Exercise releases chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and endorphins, which are very good for mood.
- It can also lead to better sleep and give you more energy.
- Physical movements can help relieve tension in the shoulders and neck, which often come with stress and anxiety.
- It also makes you feel like you've accomplished something.
- Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of serious health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
- It also helps with weight control (and you also tend to feel like eating a healthier diet when you exercise regularly).
- And last but definitely not least given the current situation, regular physical activity is great for your immune system.
If you're new to the world of exercise, or you're feeling a little lost because your normal way of keeping fit just isn't possible right now, here are some ideas to get you moving:
- Get your workout on online: There are endless free exercise videos on YouTube to try, no matter your fitness level or the size of your living room. From yoga and strength training to Pilates, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and more.
- Personal trainers, dance instructors and other qualified fitness professionals are learning and moving their classes online. So you can join a class virtually and get the social connection benefits of exercise as well.
- Freestyle it: If a structured routine isn't your style, get creative and build your own workout: instead of weights, use household items like water bottles and full cans or food jars (if you can find any!), walk or run in place for 30-second intervals, do some star jumps, planks, crunches, push-ups or even burpees. Anything to get your heart rate up a little.
- Remember to carry some hand sanitizer containing at least 60% of alcohol and stay at least 5 feet away from other people.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds as soon as you return home.
- A tip before you start: If you're new to exercise, start small - try maybe 10 minutes of yoga or walking a day, and then gradually build up.
- Even 10 minutes of movement a day can help your body and mind feel better. Encourage your loved ones, with whom you undoubtedly spend a lot of time right now, to take a moment to move their bodies, too.
- And please, if you are not feeling well, follow the advice of your healthcare professional, including some rest. It is vital that we prioritize the health and safety of ourselves, family, friends and community.
