At present, the world is suffering from a pandemic, and in an attempt to try and slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to protect those most at risk, many countries are resorting to nationwide lockdowns. Staying at home is the best way to help healthcare services as they battle to save lives but it also means making a few changes to your lifestyle that can make it more difficult to stay in shape. But before you start trying to get your hands on those Shark Tank keto pills or decide to write off your 2020 health goals altogether, here are a few tips for staying in shape during the lockdown.
Prioritize your diet
When it comes to losing, maintaining or gaining weight, your diet has a far more significant impact than the amount of exercise you do. Although there may be shortages of some of the products you usually buy, it’s important to try and keep to the principles of a healthy diet by eating well and staying away from processed foods. If you know that your activity levels have dropped significantly, then you may need to adjust your daily caloric intake to accommodate this change.
Don’t neglect your mental health
For many of us, it isn’t our bodies that are suffering so much during the lockdown as it is our minds, and so it is important to take the time to focus on your mental health. For a lot of people, going to the gym or working out with friends was a form of mental release and an important part of their self-care routine. To readjust, try having video call sessions with your workout class or workout friends, or take up a new form of self-care such as meditation.
Still move your body
Depending on where you are in the world, you may still have access to the outside if it’s for exercise and if you stick to social distancing principles. If this is the case, then make use of this time to go for a run, walk or cycle and to get your blood pumping. If you can’t leave the house, then there are still ways that you can get your exercise in, albeit through at-home workout variations or by taking alternative online classes such as yoga. Try to find something that you enjoy and that you can do within the parameters of your home and then incorporate it into your routine.
Remember that you are not alone
Whether you are worried about gaining fat, losing muscle or making negative progress, you are not alone, and we are all in this together. Reach out to friends and fellow gym buddies if you need to vent your emotions, and don’t forget that you can reach out to personal trainers for advice if you are stuck for exercises that you can do to keep you in shape. At the end of the day, staying safe and healthy is a priority over any of your body goals at this time and we must all do what we have to in order to stop the spread of COVID-19.
