How to Stay Physically and Mentally Fit During the Crisis
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we live, at least in the near term.
“Stay-at-home” orders have closed the doors of non-essential businesses across the country. For many business owners, these non-essential businesses are essential to financial health, and many of these businesses are also essential to the physical and mental wellbeing of their clients.
As a result, many Americans now sit at home worrying. The uncertainty of when restrictions will lift and when businesses will be re-opened has led to an outbreak in anxiety, which is even worse for folks with existing mental health issues.
To help reduce anxiety and protect your mental health, the World Health Organization (WHO) provided a few tips for dealing with the stressful coronavirus outbreak.
Turn off the news! The 24/7 news cycle about the coronavirus can create even more anxiety and stress for you and your family. Limit your viewing to a specific time during the day, and look for updates from reputable sources, like the WHO. Focus on the facts; not the rumors.
Stay connected. Self-isolation can very easily make you feel alone. Set up regular check-in times with your family and friends. Instead of texting, actually call or set up a video chat.
Eat healthy and avoid alcohol. Binge eating or turning to tobacco, alcohol or other drugs is a common response to stressful situations. But proper nutrition is vital to keeping your immune system healthy. Make a shopping list that includes plenty of vegetables, fruit, protein and healthy snacks. Avoid frozen dinners and impulse-buy items like chips, cookies, and soda.
If you or a loved one is feeling overwhelmed or anxious right now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided even more ways to cope with the coronavirus stress. You can view this advice here.
Another key to protecting not only your mental health but also your physical wellbeing is exercise.
Many popular fitness centers like 24-Hour Fitness, Planet Fitness, Equinox, and SoulCycle are all temporarily shuttered, leaving millions of Americans without their morning, afternoon and evening workout routines. Thankfully, there are plenty of alternative workouts available today.
Take a walk or go for a bike ride. Of course, the easiest way to stay active is to get off the couch and go for a walk, hike, or run. You could even go for a bike ride. Just be sure to maintain the proper social distancing—stay six feet away from people—if you’re in an area where others are exercising outdoors.
Consider buying a treadmill or free weights. There’s been a surge in home exercise equipment sales recently. In fact, online sales of fitness equipment, including weights, treadmills, and stationary bikes, soared 55% in a five-day period in March. That even topped New Year’s exercise equipment sales.
Check out virtual workout programs. Many fitness centers, like Gold’s Gym, are offering at-home workout sessions that range from weight training to yoga, from cardio to barre. Many of these programs are free or have a free trial window to help folks maintain their workout routines.
So, no matter what your level of fitness or exercise preference, there are several options available to keep you active during these uncertain times. Consider checking out the at-home fitness programs offered by these popular brands right now.
Beachbody On Demand: At-home fitness videos for all fitness levels, from beginner to advanced.
Peloton: This popular app, which includes cycling, yoga, and strength training, is available for free for 90 days.
Gold’s Gym: A global fitness brand that is offering live audio and video workouts through the end of May.
Planet Fitness: Through Facebook, Planet Fitness is live streaming “Work Ins” every day at 7:00 p.m. EST.
CorePower Yoga: Maintain your flexibility and perfect your downward dog with access to a large collection of yoga and meditation classes.
The bottom line: During these uncertain times, maintaining your physical and mental wellbeing is just as important as staying financially healthy.