COVID-19 Tips
1. Practise the 3 C’s: Choice, Chance, Change
There are so many things out of our control right now given the COVID-19 pandemic and its negative effect on our jobs, social life, finances, and physical and mental wellbeing. But, we still have control over how we respond and adapt to these circumstances.
Make the choice to look after your health, be grateful that you have the chance to do so, and make a positive change to your health and wellbeing so you are in the best position to care for your loved ones and help them do the same.
2. Stay Connected to Stay Motivated
One of the biggest benefits of attending group sessions at gyms and studios is the camaraderie, accountability, support, and encouragement from other members. With gyms currently closed, this now seems difficult to attain.
However, we’re lucky enough to have access to an entire virtual world where we can still stay connected with our workout buddies, be held accountable by our trainers and peers, and gain support and encouragement at any time of day, without even leaving our homes.
3. Be Grateful and Be Kind
Research has proven time and time again that practising gratitude and kindness significantly improves your mental health. It helps by cultivating happiness and joy and reducing stress, depression and anxiety. All things that we can benefit from right now, with very little effort on our part. Be thankful for the things you have, be kind to others, and most importantly, be kind to yourself.
4. Take Small Steps
If you’ve suddenly found yourself with an abundance of free time at home, but are spending more time-consuming calories than burning them, now is not the time for an all or nothing health kick.
If you drastically restrict your diet and throw yourself into exercising at 100% intensity, 3 times per day, you’ll likely just end up with food cravings and injuries, resulting in you returning back to square one ie. uber eats binges and Netflix marathons (since both temptations are so easily accessible at home).
Instead take small, but significant steps. Aim to exercise for just 30 minutes daily, even if it’s broken up into small 10 minute blocks throughout the day. Just get moving, get your heart pumping and endorphins flowing. Try to eat healthy most days whilst still occasionally indulging (in moderation of course!) in your favorite foods and drinks.
Celebrate the wins, however small, but don’t beat yourself up for falling off the wagon. Simply pick yourself up and take another small, positive step to reach your goals.
5. Stay Informed and Stay Safe
We are constantly bombarded with stats, demands, restrictions, and changes in our day to day life, on a minute by minute basis. It can be extremely overwhelming and difficult to filter out the relevant facts. Keep it simple and avoid confusion by only paying attention to credible sources Eg. the World Health Organisation
Limit your contact with as many people outside of your household as you can so that you can reduce your potential exposure to COVID-19 and do your part in ‘flattening the curve’ ie. reducing the spread of the virus and giving our healthcare workers a fighting chance to save lives, which very well could one day, be yours or mine. Stay home, stay safe, and stay healthy.
