When the pandemic arrived, many people didn’t know which direction it would take. Little did we know that along with wearing masks and social distancing, we would be expected to stay in our homes.
Our daily tasks have taken a back seat while our minds are trying to sort through the vast amounts of information the news provides. With a lot to take in mentally, we’ve let our exercise routines become almost completely forgotten.
Free Download: Top 5 Exercise MistakesAs time has gone on, it’s more important than ever to bring back some form of normality starting with our physical needs. But when we’re overwhelmed with stress, it’s hard to get that push.
Here are 4 reasons why it’s more important than ever to exercise during the pandemic.
Why You Should Continue To Exercise During The Pandemic
Statista.com reported that 27% of respondents were doing less exercise during the pandemic. Instead of focusing on the reasons that keep us from moving, let us focus on the mental benefits of exercise.
1.Reduces Stress
By making our bodies move, we allow our minds to reset. This can be as simple as doing chores, dancing to music, or walking around your neighborhood.
Often when we feel bogged down by our thoughts, we get in a slump. Our bodies take in all that stress with no outlet.
2. Improves Mood
When our moods are low, it can lead to severe depression bringing along with it another host of problems. If things are stagnant, we often become bored and lazy, making it harder to stay motivated. However, if the body is tired from exercising, it gives the mind a chance to relax. If it’s hard to take that first step, try doing an exercise that you like. When we engage in activities we enjoy, we feel a sense of accomplishment.
3. Prevents Sedentary Disease
Sedentary disease is defined as a lifestyle with a lot of sitting and lying down, with little to no exercise. Since the pandemic began, it’s been reported that now, more than ever, Americans have adapted heavily to this lifestyle.
Sedentary activities look like the following:
- Sitting for long periods working on computers
- Watching television for more than one hour
- Socializing by phone in an inactive state
- Playing video games for a good portion of the day
4. Avoids Weight Gain
When our bodies become accustomed to non-mobile activities, our brains crave nutrition. This is where weight gain takes a turn. The Washington Post newspaper reported that “many sugar cravings stem from a blood sugar imbalance. When the body ingests sugar, the blood sugar spikes and the body releases insulin to lower it to a safer level. The body craves food that will raise it and increase energy.”
Much of the same is said about salt cravings. However, an increase in sugar and salt consumption over a relatively short period of time creates unwanted weight gain. Instead of reaching for a short term high, try these snacks as an alternative to achieve a natural high and create enough energy to do some form of active exercise:
- Bananas
- Apple slices with peanut butter
- Avocado with whole grain toast
- Dates
- Almonds
Some Exercises to Get You Started
- Do the dishes or laundry (do a little dancing too)
- Walk around your neighborhood
- Go to the grocery store
- Utilize free workouts from the internet to use at home
- Do a short hike in the parks
- Park further away from the front door of stores (this little bit of exercise helps)
- Call a friend and meet for a jog
Top 5 Exercise Mistakes (Free Download)
By keeping your mind and body healthier, it allows you to cope with the pandemic in a more rational and evenly grounded lifestyle. Knowing what not to do is as important as knowing what to do when it comes to making the most of your exercise routine. Being healthy is about taking action to do more of the right things, and fewer of the wrong things every day. Download my free report, Top 5 Exercise Mistakes to help you avoid the common fitness mistakes so you get the results you deserve.
