Let’s face it: everything changed with the coronavirus. More and more people were either not working, or working from home. Our routines changed overnight, and we were told to minimize how often we went outside, for fear of infection.
This has presented a challenge not just for people’s mental health, but their physical health as well. It’s actually best to be holistic about it because one affects the other. This article will investigate some of the most effective ways to remain fit during the lockdown.
Exercise Frequently
Regular exercise increases the flow of oxygen in our hearts and reduces the odds of having heart attacks or strokes. There will also be less chance of developing cancer. The immune system is strengthened by exercise, and we become less likely to develop dementia, memory loss, or Alzheimer’s.
We should ideally have thirty minutes of brisk exercise five times a week (It’s important to increase our heart rates during the process). Busy people have no excuse as this can be broken down into three blocks of ten minutes per day. People who sit at their desks should stand and stretch every thirty minutes. Even the act of looking out of the window can rest our eyes as we focus on things at a different distance to normal.
Some people stay fit by doing push-ups, sit-ups, or step exercises at home. Others choose to buy cheap items like skipping ropes. More serious fitness fans purchase gym equipment. It’s helpful to discover that some websites feature promos and reviews so that buyers of treadmills, rowing machines, or exercise bikes can make full comparisons. People can discover the best places to buy from, and get the most value for money. It is also beneficial when such sites also do reviews of related subjects like fitness apps and workouts.
Dance and Games
Modern technology provides the opportunity for people to do live video streaming so they can do dance workouts together. YouTube can also be harnessed to do a similar thing using pre-recorded sessions. When people dance, their minds relax. They also get fit through keeping in step with the rhythm of the music.
Some games can be done in one’s backyard. They are therefore great for moments of family fun. Basketball hoops can be set up on the ground or attached to garage walls. People of all ages and genders can enjoy the aerobic exercise that is involved here. The element of fun is key to keeping fit because exercise routines die without motivation.
Healthy Eating
As we have discussed, there has been less opportunity for people to stay physically active because of the lockdown. This has increased the chance of people putting on weight. The issue of having a healthy diet has, therefore, become even more important. Sadly, some people are battling with a sense of Groundhog Day, and eating out of boredom or to reward themselves. Others are working from home, eating unhealthy snacks almost unconsciously as they work.
Our bodies are our temples, and we must look after them by eating healthily. Junk food is packed with carbohydrates, sugar, fat, and calories. It’s important not to have our arteries clogged up by such things. We should eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Whole grains are important too. Where fresh food is less available, frozen food should be consumed rather than tinned.
A healthy mealtime routine needs to be set up. It may be a ‘new normal’ because of the lockdown, but it will pay dividends. Everyone should eat together, ideally. The less unhealthy snacks one keeps in the house, the less temptation there will be for everyone. It’s worth looking at the carrots and other items that are more healthy to chew on during snack times, than simply eating chocolate. Besides physical fitness, the mind will become more alert and focus on a healthy diet.
Drinking
People should drink between 2.5 and 3 liters of water a day. It’s better for us than consuming tea or coffee, or fizzy drinks that are packed with sugar and unhealthy additives. Drinking plenty of water helps boost your metabolism.
Alcohol intake should be very disciplined and limited. If possible, one should give this up altogether. Giving up smoking would be another great achievement that will help lung capacity, and reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.
Keeping fit should not be viewed through the lens of sports activity alone. It’s actually about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, ranging from disciplined eating and drinking to good sleeping habits and a positive mental attitude. The lockdown need not be our enemy if we adjust our lifestyles well. When it’s all over we can emerge as a fitter, stronger versions of ourselves than ever before.