by Kerry Taylor
Our world is in a state of turmoil of levels that have not been seen since I’ve been born. I’ll tell you, it feels like a scene out of a crazy movie that would be up for movie of the year because of the suspense, mystery, comedy, love, adventure, drama etc…all wrapped up into this film. With the heroes being those amazing men and women in our medical field teamed up with so many others coming together to save society as we know it!! With this virus wreaking havoc on us physically, mentally and socially, I want to take an additional approach to our big 6.
1. Stay Home
2. Social Distancing
3. Cover your cough and sneeze
4. Wash your hands often
5. Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth
6. Feeling sick, stay home and call your doctor
From my point of view, as a fitness professional, I want you to add a few more to to that list. By now gyms are closed almost everywhere, your coaches are away from you, you may not have access to equipment, so now what?!
1. Keep moving
2. Focus in more on your nutrition
3. Rest and Sleep
4. Hydrate
1. Keep Moving
Don’t allow this new normal to thwart your routine in life of working out and moving. You may have to get more creative during these times, but you must keep going. We offer many different options to help you stay consistent during these times. You can look at doing any one of our many Youtube Live workouts, if you need something to follow along with. If you never had a routine, now is the time to start one, even if it’s starting with going for a walk every day. Your physical exercise routine is extremely important right now. The stronger your body and heart can stay during this time, the better off you will be equipped to fight off a sickness. Nevermind the benefits of stress relief and focus it will give you during the new normal of daily tasks you have on your plate now. Carve out the time, you won’t regret it!
2. Focus on your nutrition
In order to have a strong immune system we have to continue to put in the right foods. There isn’t one magic food that will keep your immune system strong, as much as we would all like to believe there is. We must strengthen it from having a variety of foods. I know during this time it is easy to grab the junk food to eat as you binge watch The Tiger King series. You will be better off keeping your healthy eating habits intact. Along with that, increase your fruit and vegetable intake, the wider variety of colors from the rainbow the better off you will be.
Even though through all of this we are all supporting our local small business restaurants, most of them have healthier options on their menu. Make sure you choose those for yourself more often than not.
3. Rest and Sleep
Make sure to continue to get your rest. The body recovers and recharges when it is resting. Now is the time to take advantage of trying to get more sleep into your routine. Even though it is tempting to stay up a lot later than usual because you may not have somewhere to go in the morning. Stay with the sleep routine or better yet, make it better than the way it was. Getting in 30 more minutes of sleep will pay huge dividends keeping the body healthy, strong and help you with your productivity during the day.
4. Hydrate
Yes, I know you’ve heard this so many times but now all your excuses can go out the window. Because for most, you’re home and now is the time to make it happen. Make it your new normal to drink a gallon of water a day. This will help keep the body flushed of toxins that float around in our system. It will also aid in keeping moisture in your nose, eyes and mouth which will assist in keeping unwanted bacteria out and not linger in those areas of our body.
I know it has been hard for many to keep a good solid routine with all the changes that happen every day as our country battles this pandemic! The goal is to give yourself the best chance to fight this thing if it does come to your door step. Adding these 4 simple routines will help increase your immune system and help keep your body healthy through out this trying time. Until next time, continue to live life one degree above the rest. Stay safe and stay healthy.