Don't throw out the rule book
Recent events have had profound effects on many lives. On the face of it’s been about avoiding the virus so you or your loved ones stayed well and safe. And frontline everyday people risking their health to protect our communities. But there have been so many more layers to this pandemic. Our mental health, our shattered financial security and our overall physical health.
For many the isolation factor has been really hard, and for some it’s been a welcome break and a time to deeply connect with family. Emotions have been running high and our mental health has taken a big hit.For many there has been deep feelings of loss, of goals, of connection of control. Feelings of stress and anxiety, for some utter despair as their lives have been up-ended. These feelings unless addressed head on can manifest in our bodies in many different ways, gut issues, pain, sleep disturbances, hormones imbalances and more...
Processing these emotions and recognising it in that very moment, and optimizing it is how we can build mental resilience and in turn help alleviate the wider physical symptoms of distress. The challenges in the coming year will continue to test you and resilience will help you. It’s a good time for us to get "life fit".
What does being life fit mean?I view being "life fit" as being strong in mind and body to remain as independently capable as possible. I want the energy to enjoy the activities I love and be able to bounce back quickly from all the added stresses of life so I can adapt to the changes to the best of my abilities. I want to be mentally strong so I can have a positive mindset, remain curious, patient, empathetic and understanding with as calm a mind as possible for situations around me.
How do you start getting life fit?Try starting by shaping and maintaining a daily routine that works for you and what makes you feel at.your best. Our body thrive under routine signals:
If you normally get up at 7am and sleep at 11pm keep that up. We need regular consistent sleep cycles for optimization- so about 8 hrs is right for most. See what works for you.
If you usually workout twice a week- good on you! Stay with it. Lift something heavy a few times a week (women and the men) and add in cardio - walking, cycling, running. Remember to add restorative exercises for deeper functional strength such as balance work, prehab/rehab exercises and stretching.
Keep your gut happy with regular meal times and if need be make pre-packed lunches. I found this useful to stop my kids wanting to eat every 20 minutes!
Find your space In this new homelife - this is vital. You may be in the same house as your partner or wider family but getting your own alone time is important. Read a book, get online to friends, do some gardening, listen to music, sleep, take a long shower - whatever makes you feel at ease.
The most important thing of all?... get fresh air and get moving outside. We live in a very special part of the world. Make the most of it. Moving outdoors will help with your circadian rhythm, getting your body moving helps with reducing aches and pains, upregulates your immune system, increases your vitamin D, improves your microbiome which in turn will improve your mood, mindset and physical wellbeing. Pretty good results for a stroll through the park wouldn't you say?
The easiest thing of all to calm your nervous system down quickly is to breathe. Just 60 seconds of focused deep breathing will reduce you stress levels instantly.
You may have been finding it’s been more about Netflix and chilling, more regular drinking and more treats and sugar, going to bed late, staying indoors most of the day and having lots of slouch time. This is all appealing but it’s a fast track way to feeling terrible...
So although times have changed somewhat of late, remember the rules for healthy living haven't. Now’s the time for focus on yourself and your health. As we settle into a new kind of normal - what adjustment can you make to get ‘life fit’?
Stay safe and well.
Thanks for reading!
Rich
