Archives for October 2020

The pandemic has changed everyone’s normal, and fitness culture is no exception. Between slowed supply lines and safety ordinances, nearly every athlete has had to alter their standard routine. If the fact that many gyms have been closed for more than six months has prevented you from reaching your goals, these tips might help you restore your life-exercise balance and get back on track to the body you deserve.

Find a Class

Gyms might be closed, but that doesn’t mean class is cancelled. Many gyms and private instructors have started offering their lessons online; now, attending class is a simple as moving the coffee table and joining a video call.

Some gyms offer virtual classes as part of their subscription models, but you can also find classes run by private instructors. Your favorite trainer might be running a class – and if they’re not, they’ll probably know someone who is. Remember to check the type of exercise, the skill level, and any tech or equipment requirements before you get started.

Explore the Outdoors

The vast outdoors is the perfect place to get rid of that cabin fever that you’ve surely accumulated in quarantine. Running is the ideal form of socially-distanced outdoor exercise, but you can also try going for a walk or enjoying an outdoor session of your favorite yoga routine.

If you’re lucky enough to have a back yard, there’s nothing wrong with staying safely quarantined on your own property. Otherwise, the safest way to exercise may be to go for a run through your neighborhood or around the track at your local park. Remember to stay well-distanced from other runners; with gyms closed, they’re sure to be around.

Exercise Cautiously

Pandemic restrictions vary by area, and you should always comply with local ordinances. In addition to your city’s recommendations, you can follow a few tips to make sure that your workout doesn’t contribute to the spread:

• Wear a mask. Even if you don’t like wearing a mask while running, the truth is that you need a facial covering if you’re going to go into a business or have a conversation. Try choosing a mask that you can put on quickly if someone approaches your exercise path.
• Bring your own water. The last thing you want to do during a pandemic is drink from a water fountain. Always have your own water bottle with you. You probably shouldn’t expect a refill, so you may want to buy a larger bottle. Remember not to rinse your bottle in public sinks; always wash it out as soon as you get home.
• Sanitize as you go. A pocket-sized pack of sanitizing wipes will make your adventures a lot safer for you and the other people who may pass through the same environment. Exercise equipment should be sanitized both before and after use, even if it’s in your own home. You can also use wipes to quickly prevent the virus from spreading on park benches, door handles, and other utilities.

Staying fit is about motivation. No matter how your conditions change, a positive attitude will help you power through so you can become the person you want to be.

Living through a pandemic isn’t easy, and the toll on the world’s mental health is obvious. Even if you don’t feel like COVID has you stressed, the extended quarantine is still a great excuse to make sure you’re in a happy and healthy mental state.

Take a Media Break

If you’re feeling stressed and nervous, one of the first things you should do is turn off your news feed. A flux of negative headlines has been shown to cause headline stress disorder, and 2020 has certainly delivered on the hard-to-handle news.

Make a commitment to spending an entire day without accessing the internet. Use this time to check in with your family members, complete a few chores, and generally regain a sense of stability. When you’re ready to turn the computer back on, pay attention to whether your use is excessive. You may want to set limits or adjust your habits to better accommodate your lifestyle.

Rotate Your Hobbies

When work and life blend together, monotony gains a whole new meaning. You may be sick and tired of watching the same shows, playing the same games, and looking at the same environment. Although you can’t necessarily change your surroundings, you can definitely add variety to your list of favorite pastimes.

Some people already have a hobby that they’ve been neglecting to try, but other people may struggle to find variation in their free time. Even small variations, such as watching a new genre of television show, can help get you out of a mental rut; don’t be afraid to make changes that work well for you.

Watch Your Overall Health

It’s hard to be mentally healthy when you’re not physically healthy. Before you pay too much attention to your anxiety, make sure that you’re taking care of your basic needs. This includes getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, and eating a relatively balanced diet. If you’re not exercising, you should probably start at least a small routine; however, be aware that anxiety may also be caused by over-exertion.

Staying healthy can also include taking care of your environment and your responsibilities. If you feel stressed, it might be because something needs to get done. Take a quick look around to see if you’ve done your laundry and paid your bills. Just remember to relax once your chores are done; after all, your goal is to decrease your anxiety.

Don’t forget that if you’re struggling with your mental health, you can always reach out to us here at CCPS. We’ll be happy to help you make a virtual appointment and discuss your problems in a safe and comfortable space.