The world is going through unprecedented times. As the Covid-19 virus is spreading around the earth, more and more countries are enforcing lockdowns. Lockdown, as all must be aware by now, restricts the movement of people and vehicles. The general public is expected to stay indoors and only movement of essential goods is allowed. The goal is to curb the spread of the virus and thus prevent overburdening the healthcare infrastructure.
Even though we are stuck in our houses in the current situation, it does not mean we can ignore to maintain fitness and health. According to medical research, being sedentary can have a negative impact on our bodies. This in turn, can affect our brains and our mental well-being. How can one still maintain fitness and health? Are there ways to keep physically and mentally fit as we are confined to our homes?
Here are 5 ways one can keep healthy and fit in this current situation of lockdown:
1) Physical activity: You might complain that there is no way to exercise as the gyms are closed down. Even access to jogging tracks and gardens are restricted. Well, in the present situation our aim is to provide the basic minimum exercise to our bodies. We have to make use of whatever means of exercise are available to get our bodies moving. How about putting on a music channel on your TV and dancing to the music in your bedroom. Or if you are living in a high rise building, you can climb the stairs from the ground floor to the top floor. If you are living in a big society, there might be parking space on the ground. Do a few rounds of brisk walking around the parking place till your heart starts pumping. Try to find new, different ways to exercise in this lockdown to keep your bodies fit.
2) Nutrition: Nutrition has never been more important than in the current situation. During the ongoing pandemic, the focus should be on immunity boosting foods. Besides other nutrients, foods containing Vitamin A, Vitamin C and zinc support the immune system. Incorporate foods of different colours in your diet. In this period of restricted movement of goods and people, you might not get all the healthy food stuffs. So try to make the most of whatever is available.
3) Dealing with stress: Locked in your home you are constantly bombarded with the news of new Coronavirus infections and deaths. This can lead to stress and depression. To a certain extent stress is good, but too much of it can be detrimental to health. Acceptance of the situation is part of the solution. There have been pandemics in the past and will be there in the future. There is no running away from them. So just accept the situation and get on with your life. Meditation and relaxation techniques can be of immense help during times of stress. A spiritual outlook and a belief in a higher power who controls the world can help you deal with the situation.
4) Sleep: Sleep is another important factor for sound health. Our bodies heal and repair during sleep. Our immunity is disturbed due to lack of sleep. Sleep is also linked to mental health. Remember the time when you felt irritated and restless at work when you were not able to sleep properly. Yes, sleep deprivation can interfere with the proper working of the brain. Try to maintain the same hours of sleep you used to have prior to the lockdown period. This way you do not break your sleep cycle.
5) Socialise: No, don’t get me wrong. I am not telling you to physically socialise. In this pandemic time, you are isolated inside your homes with very minimum contact with the outside world. You need to be connected to other people. Humans are social animals and we need that the social touch for our well being and happiness. One way of socialising would be through whatsapp, facebook etc. Locked inside your homes, these apps are your window to the world and give you a feeling of being connected. Now that you have some free time, make a call to that long forgotten school friend or to some distant relative.
Being isolated and locked down should not be a reason to ignoreto maintain fitness and health. Life will take time to come on track after what’s been happening due to the current situation. Coming up with innovative solutions to keep fit and healthy is the need of the hour.
