Physical activity contributes to both our physical and mental health.
Staying at home for prolonged periods of time can give rise to a significant challenge for remaining physically active. Sedentary behavior and low levels of physical activity can have negative effects on the health, well being, and quality of life of individuals.
It is important to give priority to our physical and mental health during this time of uncertainty, and the importance of staying active during Covid-19 will help us to overcome worries and fears among ourselves.
As many of our daily routines remain restricted during the coronavirus pandemic, it can be difficult to find the motivation to exercise. With the challenges of working from home and limited access to fitness facilities, you may be finding it hard to stick to a workout routine, but there are a number of ways to do it if you are really determined to keep active and healthy during this time.
Even a small amount of activity can make a huge difference to how well you think and feel. Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have for staying physically and mentally healthy.
Exercise can help ease depression, stress, and anxiety, and aid in the management of chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Physical activity releases endorphins, chemicals in your brain that revitalise your mind and body, and it can help to improve all aspects of your health. In addition to boosting your mood and improving sleep, exercise can also strengthen your immune system, something that is particularly important at this time, especially for older adults who are more vulnerable to COVID-19.
Before you begin an exercise programme seek your physician’s advice first if you have any underlying health conditions, take medications for a heart problem or to control blood pressure or blood sugar, or experience dizziness, balance problems, or joint issues. And if you feel pain during an activity, stop and rest!
As with exercising at any time, it’s important to be safe, wear good footwear, start slowly, and give your muscles and tendons time to adapt to any new activity, not to forget the simple guidelines to follow when you are doing outdoor activities: wear a mask, maintain a safe distance from others, and frequent hand sanitising/washing.
How much exercise is enough?
During this time of uncertainty and fear, it’s important to remember that when it comes to exercise, something is always better than nothing. Going for a walk around the house or workplace will not only stretch your legs but help clear your head as well. It might even inspire you to walk a little further the next day.
The current recommendation of WHO for adults is to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity every week (or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity) with two sessions of strength building activities per week. That’s about 30 minutes of movement, five times per week. It’s also okay to break it up. Two 15-minute workouts or three 10-minute workouts can benefit you just as much. Include warm up and cool down time as part of your workout—as well as some activities around the house or workplace.
Start your exercise plan now and enjoy the weather!.
