After being in this
pandemic for over a year, life is extremely different. After lockdown and
quarantine, everyone got used to staying at home with nowhere to go. Physical
activity and exercise got put on the back burner while everyone was trying to
adjust to their new lifestyle. If you are not an essential worker, you are most
likely working from home at your desk. An already sedentary lifestyle turned
even more lackluster by not even having to leave your home to go to work. To
get out of your pandemic slump, keep reading for a few tips!
A 2018 study in the
Journal of American Medical Association showed that 1 in 4 American adults sit
for more than eight hours a day, while 4 in 10 are physically active. This
statistic is from before the pandemic when people were more active. Not having
an adequate amount of physical activity can cause obesity, poor physical
health, and mental health issues. With over a fourth of Americans sitting for
more than 8 hours a day, it is extremely important for them to exercise and be
active.
Physical activity is not
just helpful for physical health, but it is helpful in coping with stress.
Exercising releases endorphins in your brain that make you feel happier. The
pandemic is a stressful time for everyone, so getting a little bit of physical
activity everyday can be helpful in managing your stress.
Since there is limited
access to gyms, walking outside is a great way to get active. You could walk
with your family or friends too. Walking is not stressful on the body and is
great for your heart. Taking a walk can be a great way to take a break from
work or to get outside if you are tired of being in your home.
Even just standing up
every hour from your desk can be beneficial for your health. The more often you
stand, the better. A few variations you could do include standing on one leg
and switching, standing while working, or standing while doing tasks you may
usually do sitting.
Some other active
hobbies include gardening, singing, and dancing. It is smart to combine
physical activity with a hobby you enjoy doing so you will be more inclined to
be active.
Stretching your muscles
is also important. It does not need to be anything major, but doing a few calf
raises, leg lifts, and wall pushups can be helpful for your muscles. Stretching
your muscles will help with your motivation to get more physically
active.
While it is tough to see
the light at the end of the tunnel of this pandemic, that does not mean you
have to stay cooped up inside your home! Take some time out of your day to take
a walk outside and do some stretching. Physical activity can help us feel
healthier and happier.
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