With the announcement of lockdown 7.0 extension edition plus winter SAD - many of us are really feeling it. Our motivation levels may be dwindling, fear and lack of control may be creeping in and out of our psyche. It is scary time for us all as we are just trying to get by in this weird time warp that is COVID life.
We may be finding ourselves feeling confined to the walls of our houses. From getting bogged down in home-schooling, working from the kitchen table or just chilling on the couch with too many wines and charcuterie boards.
However, as the sun creeps back, days become longer and flowers begin to bloom. Now is a great time to remember our good friend 'physical activity' if watching the Paralympics isn’t inspiring enough (gee whiz how I adore the Paralympians).
Over the next coming weeks we will be discussing more tips on how you can introduce (or get re-acquainted with) movement and exercise.
Our old mate, the WHO defines physical activity as "any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. Physical activity refers to all movement including during leisure time, for transport to get to and from places, or as part of a person’s work. Both moderate and vigorous-intensity physical activity improve health".
This doesn't have to be the 'heart pounding, can't move for 3 days after' type of activity all of the time. Although if that is available to you, go for it.
It is preferable that adults are active in some capacity each day with either 2.5 - 5 hours of moderate or 1.25 - 2.5 of vigorous activity per week if achievable. Including muscle-strength activities over at least two of these days per week is recommended.
Would you believe me if I said the benefits of physical activity go beyond the physical body? Physical activity can offer us so much more. The social aspect (with appropriate distancing of course), the positive impact on our mood, self esteem and self efficacy. As well as, dare I say, the distraction from our COVID lives.
Yes, we may hit barriers - fatigue, poor motivation, low self esteem, confidence, lack of access to facilities, lack of knowledge of what’s best for our bodies. The list could be endless. Nevertheless we implore you to go out there and give it a go over the coming weeks.
But remember be kind to yourself, be gentle, do not judge your mind and body.
Need some inspo?
One positive that has come lockdowns is the wonderful array of classes that can be accessed online. My personal favourites this lockdown have been zero point yoga, yoga with Adrienne, Nike running and Nike training app. And of course any podcast or audiobooks to take on my morning walk.
Feel free to contact the team at Symetri for further advice on how to approach introducing physical activity into your life.
References:
https://www.physio-pedia.com/Physical_Activity_and_Mental_Health
https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/physical-activity-and-exercise/physical-activity-and-exercise-guidelines-for-all-australians/for-adults-18-to-64-years
Comments