How to stay fit, healthy [and sane] in lockdown

In the words of Dolly Parton ‘Here you come again, just when I’ve begun to get myself together…..’

Ugh, restrictions, lockdown. It seems New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia are all too familiar with these words and after spending 2020 in Victoria and relocating to South Australia in December, in a way I thought I had put lockdowns behind me BUT this week proves, you can run but you cannot hide.

No one is exempt from this pandemic.

We all have our different coping mechanisms when life gives us lemons; some choose to suck up the sourness (difficulty) in life and others choose to make lemonade. I don’t know about you but I’m up for making lemonade.

8 tips for saying healthy while is lockdown

Stick to an active routine

Nothing is normal about this time and although you may not be able to do your normal routine; work, gym, meet friends for dinner you can still keep routine in some form or another; the key is to get out of your PJ’s, shower and get dressed every day!

Take the time to go online

If you are a member of a gym, fitness studio or yoga studio the chances are they have adapted and brought their classes online. Start the day with a body pump workout or guided yoga routine or do things that you don’t normally have the time for; flexibility training maybe?

Maintain or start new hobbies

It’s important to keep moving physically during these times of restrictions and well as finding a hobby that helps nourish dexterity of movement such as embroidery, knitting, making music, baking or writing. It’s about finding hobbies that help loosen your joints and alleviate negative thoughts.

Recreate your walks

Social distancing doesn’t mean not talking; it just means we need to get more creative. So, when you head out for your morning or evening walk; grab your phone and FaceTime a friend. Yeah, we know it’s much better when that person is next to you but you are a master of adapting now and a chat will brighter up your day we promise you.

Plan an [epic] adventure

If we can’t live it at the moment why not start planning for it. Dust off your trail porn; maps, guide books and search strava and the like for paths previously travelled by others and get planning. We have a gnarly country to explore from the north to the south and whilst previously we would head across the land to international trails & mountains we are discovering our own backyard has a lot to offer. Borders maybe closed and restrictions in place but when this all eases; gather your gear and Fastpack it to the adventure you have so been longing for.

Read a book or listen to a podcast

The words we read can help uplift and motivate us, they can also transport us to another world. Time to lose yourself in a captivating story line or podcast that allows you to multitask at the same time.

Clean your house

Clean your house and clear you mind. In the words of Marie Kondo ‘if it doesn’t bring your joy, get rid of it’. There is so much deep cleansing going on in the world so why not start deep cleansing your home; you have the time after all. Use this time wisely, seek the minimalist approach to life and see how that starts to change your world.

Sit with your emotions

We need to remind ourselves that negative thoughts are normal, they are a natural part of life. You don’t need to be happy all of the time, recognising the difficulty of this time is an important part of being able to move forward in your day. Uncertain times means our anxiety levels are higher so be sure to give yourself the best chance of nourishing your mindset by exercising regularly, eating well and getting a good night’s sleep.

Nothing lasts forever

When faced with any sort of adversity, it’s how we come out the other side that shows our true character. We also have to remind ourselves that nothing last forever. We will get through this and when we do, life will seem less sour on the other side.

Want to talk about it?

If you are struggling mentally during this lockdown phase no matter which state you are in, please reach out to friends and/or family or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

#inthistogether #youarenotalone