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A pandemic is a global threat to public health, and it can be difficult to know how you will maintain your quality of life while recovering from the pandemic. With the new wave of cases surging where I live right now, the subconscious mind can play tricks on us. However, many people find that exercise helps them feel more active, even when they are self-quarantined at home. The key is to have an exercise routine that works for you and commit to sticking with it! (oh, I know, easier said than done!) Remember always speak with your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.
Try out these ideas to help yourself stick to a plan and follow through.
Set Goals and Timeline
To get started with a routine, set some goals for yourself, such as how many miles you want to walk per day. Then, work your way up from there. You will need to find a balance between what is realistic for you and what your body can handle.
For instance, if morning exercise feels too hard on your lungs because of the pandemic, you can do an evening workout instead or take a walk in the afternoon or evening. But with every day that goes by without exercising, it becomes more challenging to get back into the habit.
Setting a timeline can also help you stay on track with your weight loss or fitness journey. For instance, if your goal is to walk an extra mile per day every week until the pandemic ends, write it down and keep checking in with yourself, especially when things get busy or stressful.
You might need additional time at first because of a slower recovery, but that will change as you continue exercising. The key is to have an exercise routine that works for you and commit to sticking with it.
Hold Yourself Accountable
When you know that your loved ones and friends are holding you accountable, it is easier to stick with an exercise routine. Whether it’s by keeping a journal of your miles walked or talking about what exercises you did in the day, or even sending them updates on your progress! Keeping yourself honest will help keep up motivation.
So, if there is anyone you know who is also recovering from the pandemic, find ways to hold each other accountable. It will make it easier for both of you!
Ease Back Into the Exercise Routine
After the pandemic, it can take time for your body to recover. The more you exercise while recovering from the pandemic, even if that is only walking, the faster you will heal and be able to increase your intensity level. For those self-quarantined at home, this may mean going outside into a backyard or even using a treadmill.
If you’ve been sedentary for quite some time, it may be helpful to start with light exercise and build up from there. The key is to listen to how your body feels to know what’s best for yourself!
Try Different Routines
To find the proper routine for you, try different exercises and track how they affect your health. For instance, some people prefer to do aerobic exercise while others enjoy strength training or even do both!
If you are self-quarantined at home, you may be more limited in your exercise options. But there are always ways to get creative!
For instance, if you have an elliptical machine at home and feel up for it, try setting a timer or doing timed intervals or take the time to find some YouTube workout videos that will help you stay active from the comfort of your living room.
Keep Yourself and Others Safe When Exercising
Even if you are self-quarantined or if your doctor has given the green light to exercise again, it is important that you take some precautions when exercising. For instance, make sure someone knows where you are and what time they should expect you back in case of an emergency, and bring a water bottle with enough liquid for your workout.
You can also take the time to ask your doctor what you should wear while exercising and how long and hard you should be working out for maximum benefit. But, again, it’s best if they are aware of anything going on with your body, including any recent diagnosis or treatments.
This will help them make personalized suggestions about exercise.
Get Outside
If you are self-quarantined, it can be easy to get cabin fever and start feeling trapped in your own home. It is helpful to take the time every day, even if that just means going outside and enjoying some fresh air for an hour or two.
Take Care of Yourself
When recovering from the pandemic, it is essential to remember that you are worth the effort. When you invest in your mental and physical health even after the pandemic ends, it will make a difference for you long-term.
Take a Break if Needed
It’s important not to push your body too hard, especially while recovering from the pandemic. If exercise becomes painful or overwhelming for any reason, take a few days off and make sure that you have plenty of rest before trying again. It will be easier at that point to build up your intensity level and difficulty. Plus, it will make all the difference when you feel better again.
Be Grateful for What You Have
When self-quarantined, it can be easy to get down on yourself because of how limited life becomes. The key is to remember that even while confined within four walls, there are always things to be grateful for. Remember that you are alive, and then think about the reasons why it is crucial for you to stay healthy-whether because of your family or job or some goals you hope to one day reach!
Document Your Journey
Whether you are self-quarantined or not, it is crucial to take the time every day to document your journey. First, write down what you have done that has helped keep yourself healthy and happy, and then write down how much better you feel afterward! Then, you can share your thoughts and feelings with friends, family members, or even a blog.
Posting on apps like Youtube or Instagram can also be a way to document your journey. You must take care of yourself, both during and after the pandemic. Share your thoughts and ideas with others, or just document the way you are feeling to keep yourself accountable.
It is essential to stay active while recovering from the pandemic or any time for that matter. The key is to take precautions when exercising while recovering, step outside every day, and remember to be your own cheerleader! You can do it!
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If you are feeling down or depressed for more days than not, please seek medical attention. If you are feeling like you cannot go on, please call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or chat here>>> https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/ Or visit the suicide prevention lifeline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
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