The current COVID-19 pandemic seems to be quickly turning our lives upside down, especially with government authorities encouraging social distancing and social isolation. While we are all obliged to do our part in ‘flattening the curve’ of disease spread, it can take a toll on our mental and physical health staying inside all day and being physically inactive. Recognizing that we might not be able to enjoy our usual types of physical activity, I’ve compiled a few ideas to help you stay active and engaged during this difficult time.
- Take a walk in nature
- A recent study by Cornell University (February 2020) explains that spending time in nature can positively affect your psychological health, reducing the effects of day-to-day physical and mental stress. In as little as 10 minutes, college students reported to feel happier, showed signs of improved focus, and improved blood pressure and heart rate.
- Regularly walking for aerobic exercise can also lower your risk of heart disease, benefit those with chronic conditions, and reduce pain.
- Consider taking part in this “nature therapy” a couple times a week by going for a hike or working on spring gardening.
- Just make sure to keep a safe distance from others as we continue to take precaution against the pandemic with social distancing.
- Take advantage of online workout videos
- There is an abundance of free fitness resources online!
- Simply search for “lower body workout”, “core exercises”, “seated chair workout”, or anything that interests you, and there’ll be plenty of options for you to choose and try out.
- Many fitness centres are now offering free live-streaming workout classes due to the coronavirus outbreak. Big name gyms such as Orangetheory, Crunch Fitness, Lifetime Fitness, etc. are providing you with an opportunity to have a great home-workout.
- Take up a yoga practice
- If you’re feeling stressed, it’s so important to stretch out those tense muscles! Why not make yoga a regular part of your daily routine?
- If you’re new to yoga, there are amazing yoga videos on youtube that range from beginners to advanced levels. One of my favourites is Yoga with Adriene, as she does a really nice job of making each yoga session engaging and interesting. There are also 30-day yoga bundles available so you can stay dedicated with one yoga video every day- and it’s all free!
Hopefully I’ve inspired you to stay active and try at least one of these ideas today. Remember that by taking care of your body and mind, you will be better able to deal with unexpected, stressful situations that may require flexibility and resilience.
Take care,
Always,
Paula
Mindfulness by Paula 