With the Holiday’s fast approaching, a lot of us are worried about being able to safely see our family members and friends. This year definitely won’t be a “traditional” holiday season. I feel we must make the very best of our situations and keep a strong mental attitude. Lately, I’ve been sharing a lot about self-care ideas. Today I would love to share how mental health and physical activity is so beneficial for overall well-being.
Physical activity and exercise can be effective treatment strategies for symptoms of both depression and anxiety. I have found that even taking a brisk walk to get my heart rate up takes my mind off of the negative. Each day is a new opportunity to engage in physical activity and exercise can bring short and long-term benefits for mood, sleep, and physical health. Since where I live, our gyms need to be outside again and with my scoliosis and back issues I’m not sure the cold will be a good idea. I’ve had to come up with at home ways to get my yoga stretches in. It can be difficult to get motivated but it’s really important both physically and mentally to keep up a healthy routine.
Consistency and sustained motivation may be enhanced by peer support, we don’t have much of this at the present, so I’ve made sure I reach out to my friends and tell them what I’ve done for the day and ask them to share with me what they are doing.
I have been talking with friends and family lately about mental health and getting through the winter months. Seasonal affective disorder or SAD is real and with covid, it’s a double whammy. For managing symptoms of depression, some research suggests that elevated levels of aerobic activity (exercise that significantly raises our heart rates) may be associated with greater reductions in depressive symptoms. Studies show that brief periods of aerobic exercise (30-90 seconds) I call this, give it your all, we can all do something difficult for 90 seconds of great intensity. And for some, this might be accomplished through exercise in their homes including jumping jacks, mountain climbers, and jumping rope help. I love my dynaprodirect.com jump rope. For others, the use of home exercise equipment such as treadmills, elliptical machines, and stationary bikes may be helpful.
Just a mini tip for when you are out and about, I’ve been using my #tulifts to exercise and right now my shop is having 25% discount until Cyber Monday with code THANKFUL on my Etsy store. Check it out here.
So remember, this too shall pass. Stay safe, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid excessive make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy, and maybe find some new activities.
I really hope this helps, please share your ideas on staying mentally healthy through covid. Be kind always, helpful when ever you can! Together we can do this!