Staying fit, well and optimistic during a pandemic
It’s not easy is it? - trying to stay optimistic during a Corona virus pandemic. Ask anyone who’s been working long hours for the NHS; anyone who’s self-employed and had to suspend business practices; or those of you having to home school children while considering where your home income is going to come from, there aren’t any easy answers.
Hands up – if you’ve felt a bit useless and rubbish lately? I have! In the first week I felt quite numb. Numbness is commonly linked to anxiety and stress. All the worries and concerns for the future came up. My personal ability to find fresh answers and alternative solutions just seemed to disappear out of the window, despite my early optimism and concerted efforts from others offering helpful advice. The reality is – I’m currently being forced out of my comfort zone. We all are.
By week two I got to the point of realising: I’m feeling absolutely sick to death of feeling this way – I NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS! If I carry on with my old habits, my previous expectations and routines, I will struggle, it’s that simple.
“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete”
In the UK we’ve been told to self-distance, (to stay away from each other with a minimum of 2 metres, so that we don’t pass the virus between people). However, we’re still fortunate, to still be allowed to get outdoors and take a bit of exercise.
This is the key…
How did I start to reduce some of my anxiety and stress? (there are many methods by the way)
It started with a single step… pulling out my running / walking shoes, tying the laces and stepping outside and allowing my lungs to breathe a bit deeper than usual.
Let’s remind ourselves of some of the benefits of cardiovascular exercise:
increased blood flow for our bodies – hence, rejuvenated internal organs, a stronger heart, increased lung capacity, improved nerve and muscle function
significantly reduced ill-health symptoms and the risks of chronic disease
an increase of feel-good hormones – hence reducing anxiety and stress
reduced pain and tension
improved brain and memory function – i.e. a clearer head, less fogginess, more clarity and creativity.
What about the benefit of: ‘increased energy and vitality?’ It’s a strange one – because it’s works rather like a form of alchemy. Initially, we might feel fatigued and low in energy – You might think if ‘I get up and move, I’ll just feel even more tired, so what’s the point?’
If we get up and move, we don’t just use a little bit of stored energy, but in the process we release more energy – which in turn invigorates and revitalises us, plus all the other benefits listed above and many more.
So, if you’ve been feeling like me recently, worrying about a future that hasn’t happened yet, or struggling for self-belief. Start, by getting up and doing something that will help you breathe a bit deeper. Go ahead – move and repeat it diligently.
You could walk for half an hour in nature. You could jog, you could cycle. You can indoor row – if fortunate to have a rowing machine, or join me for a 1-1 online workout.
