Affordable Ways to Regain Mental and Physical Fitness Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic- Guest Post
Check out this great guest post from Gabriel Patel of http://www.healthwellwise.com, discussing some important tips for maintaining your mental and physical health during the pandemic and in day to day to life!
The fluctuations of the COVID-19 pandemic have left people all over the world continuing to spend more time at home. However, if that time is spent mostly sedentary, stressing about the headlines, you may find yourself feeling inordinately fatigued and anxious. Isolation also has negative psychological effects and can leave you feeling scared and vulnerable.
The great news is that you can take control of your well-being. Whether you want to shed pounds after a period of inactivity or simply want to find ways to calm your mind, pursuing a more mindful lifestyle can help. This guide explains how to implement mindful habits without breaking the bank.
Try meditation to master mindfulness
One reason people find the COVID-19 pandemic so stressful is the simple fact that it's beyond their control. Focusing on what you can control in your everyday life can help battle this stress. Mindfulness is the answer. This is a practice of focusing your attention on the present moment, zoning in on current experiences instead of the bigger world outside.
Meditation is one way you can practice mindfulness. You can use affordable apps like Calm or 10% Happier to get started. Meditation is also shown to have the potential to alleviate symptoms of stress, such as high blood pressure. Using these tools to keep stress at bay will benefit you mentally and physically. Stress produces a hormone, cortisol, in the body. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms like a racing heart and dry mouth. Stress can also make it hard to concentrate, fall asleep at night, or simply enjoy everyday life.
Motivate yourself to get moving
Physical activity has many health benefits. It helps support weight management, produces feel-good endorphins in the brain, and alleviates stress. If you want to be more active, you can motivate yourself with some new workout clothing, a few easy-wearing bras, or even athletic shoes. If you're still struggling to motivate yourself, consider joining a workout class. You can do an online class if you prefer to maintain social distancing. Research shows that people who work out in groups are more motivated and work out harder than those who sweat it out solo. If you don't want to spend money on online courses, you can find free workout videos to follow along on YouTube. Yoga is a fantastic option and encourages mindfulness with its focus on deliberate movements and breathing.
Nurture your body from the inside out with healthy eating
When you're worried, it can be tempting to chow down on junk food or indulge in booze. Instead, make an effort to choose nutritious food choices rich in vitamins and minerals. These nutrients give your body and brain the energy needed to maintain optimal function. Aim for a balanced mix of whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Buying fresh/frozen produce instead of readymade goods, like frozen pizza, can both healthier and cheaper. If making these changes alone sounds overwhelming, connect with a registered dietitian nutritionist like Ricci-Lee Hotz, MS, RDN, Denver’s Dancing Dietitian. Through her company, A Taste for Health, you’ll have a customized nutrition plan that fits your lifestyle and your weight loss goals.
Make changes slowly
Take your time as you implement these steps and be patient with yourself. If you're trying to lose weight, for example, it will take time until you see results. Keep in mind that the overall goal is a healthier mind and body, not a number on the scale. With this guide, you can create a more mindful life that will make it easier to handle tough times as we ride out the pandemic.
I hope you enjoy this great guest post from writer Gabriel Patel of http://www.healthwellwise.com and I would love to hear what you have done to help manage your stress throughout the pandemic.
All the best in health and wellness,
–Ricci-Lee Hotz, MS, RDN
Denver’s Dancing Dietitian
A Taste of Health, LLC
“Improving Quality of life one bite at a time”
**Please note that these tips do not replace taking additional healthy and safety precautions in regard to the covid-19 pandemic.**