Now May Not Be the Right Time for a Body Transformation

With the gyms and fitness studios still shut down; sports and some social activities still at a halt, it can be difficult to find the motivation to work out at home.  Not only that, but the stress and overwhelming emotions that you may be experiencing can make it tough to concentrate on day to day activities, let alone a fitness routine.

Contrary to what you read on social media, now may not be the right time for you to focus on weight loss, or any other body transformation. Trying to adjust to this new way of living can be exhausting. A frightening global pandemic is traumatic enough, add in financial loss, homeschooling, quarantining, health conditions and the myriad of other new complications is life altering. What’s important right now is maintaining a healthy immune system and keeping yourself emotionally stable.

Being able to reduce stress, anxiety and troubled thoughts is vital as these feelings weaken the immune system. As you go through the day, you are bombarded with COVID-19 social media posts, news briefs, texts and emails. This information can induce stress and panic. Of course, it is good to be informed, but too much information and emphasis placed on any subject will only increase the feeling associated with it.  

Take a break from the pandemic by turning your attention elsewhere.  Read a book, watch a funny movie, play a board game, go for a walk, or take a nap.  If you are feeling especially anxious try breath work, meditation, yoga, practice positive thinking or journaling; all of these can help calm the angst. If you are struggling to work from home, stop trying to force it.  Remember, you are in the middle of a distressing time! Be gentle with yourself.  When the frustration begins, step away from your daily tasks, head outside, have a cup of coffee or call a friend.  Having unrealistic expectations during this time will not serve you.

If you feel up to it, exercise can be incredibly beneficial. When you exercise, endorphins are released in the brain.  Endorphins are natural chemicals that fight stress, alleviate pain and increase happiness. Fitness is a natural immunity booster and there are lots of ways to incorporate it without a gym.  Walking, jogging and biking offer a great advantage because exercise is combined with fresh air and nature.  Adding body weight exercises such as planks, squats, push-ups and lunges help strengthen the body, keeping it healthy.  And if exercise is just too much for you right now, that’s ok too.  Take it one day at a time and remember, there is a light at the end of the tunnel; we will get through this.