In times of stress and uncertainty, exercise is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. Not only does it improve your health, but it also has a proven ability to reduce the intensity of anxiety and depression. Right now, everyone’s experiencing a heavy dose of anxiety, as COVID-19 is still a serious threat.
It’s vital to have a positive coping mechanism. Regular exercise is a great, healthy way to recenter, focus your mind, and work out some of your pent-up adrenaline. Here’s a look at a few great exercises you can do no matter where you are.
Fitness Programs
Do you need guidance for that extra boost? Check out these programs and classes.
⦁ Crush your workout goals with customized training from Level 9 Personal Training.
⦁ There are tons of online exercise videos the whole family can enjoy together.
Walking and Running
Getting out and about in your neighborhood can give your mood a major boost.
Running and walking are generally accepted as safe, socially distanced exercises.
⦁ According to ZenBusiness, you can stick to a solid running routine by starting with short workouts and gradually adding onto the duration and level of intensity.
⦁ Ideally, you should run outside, where you will enjoy additional benefits.
Attach your phone to an armband so you can listen to music or podcasts hands-free while working out.
Yoga
A daily yoga routine can help you find your center.
⦁ Yoga improves strength, mobility, and flexibility, which are indicators of a long lifespan.
⦁ Fitting a short session into your morning routine can prepare you for the day.
⦁ Consider taking online yoga classes to guide you through your practice.
Weight Lifting
You can build strength, gym or no gym.
⦁ Strength training comes with myriad benefits.
⦁ If you don’t have weights, you may be able to use these common household items.
⦁ You can also look into bodyweight strength training if you’d prefer to skip gear entirely.
It may be a while yet before we’re all the way back to normal. However, making sure you keep room in your routine for exercise does wonders for maintaining a sense of routine and, more importantly, keeps those anxiety levels low. Bookmark these exercises and turn to them whenever you’re starting to feel a little too stir crazy: Cabin fever doesn’t stand a chance.
Photo by Andrew Tanglao on Unsplash
