Homes are where relaxation lives. Homes are meant to be a sacred place free from cardio. Being at home means relaxing and winding down from our busy day. With having to work from home, it can be hard to find the energy and motivation to move about. But today, I’m going to provide you with some tips to staying active while in quarantine.
Quarantine has been difficult for many. When we went into lockdown, our routines went out the window and we needed to find ways to feel normal again.
Since some of us aren’t ‘morning people’, I recommend breaking up a 45-minute workout into sections. For instance, when I wake up, I’ll do a 20-minute body training session with Active, POPSUGAR’s fitness app or maybe I’ll go to their YouTube channel and do a 20-minute workout from there. Then I’ll shower and start my day. Then in the evenings, I like to take a break from my screens and go for a 20-minute walk. This keeps you from burning out too easily.
However, you must stay committed. One way to ensure you keep up your exercise routine is to find someone to hold you accountable. Phone a friend and tell them your exercise goals and ask them to call you everyday at a certain time. If you’re not doing what you promised, have them decide the repercussion. For instance, my friend has promised to take all the wine out of my pantry if I break my routine. Being discouraged sometimes is natural and finding someone to hold you accountable is an excellent way to motivate yourself.
On the other hand, you can be that person to hold yourself accountable. For instance, you could tell yourself that you have to workout at least three days a week or you won’t be able to watch The Boys on Amazon Prime or you won’t be able to have a cheat day next Friday. We all need something to help keep us on track. Luckily for us, POPSUGAR Active allows you to schedule a time to remind you to workout.
A refreshing 20-minute walk around your neighbourhood everyday is also very effective. It gets your blood flowing and your heart pumping and it makes you realize that human beings are still around. I would also advise that you put away your phone during your walk – the sky is prettier than those emails.
So, get active! Do it when you wake up in the morning, set your alarm for 10 minutes earlier than usual and do 10 jumping jacks before you brush your teeth. Do 15 jump squats when you have a minute between meetings. If you can’t set aside a full 45 minutes – section it off.
Make a game out of it! For instance, you could do 10 jumping lunges for every time you look at the clock and see the number 10. And get creative with it. If you’re reading a long and boring chapter in your textbook, hold a plank for 30 seconds or do 15 mountain climbers every time you come across a new word.
If you’re feeling frustrated and lacking in creativity – try the Wim Hof Method. Start by taking a super cold shower, and implore the deep breathing technique - a deep breath in and out, thirty times for three rounds. It takes about ten minutes and it helps to clear your mind and boost your creativity. The breathing method mixed with a cold shower is especially good for building up your immune system and it even helps with weight loss.
Countless studies have been done about the benefits of exercise on your brain. So, give it a try. Also, Be sure to set your intentions daily and make a list of the things you’re grateful for and say them aloud. It motivates you; it makes you happier and bonus, it reduces stress.
With this, I hope you move more this week. I hope you are productive in everything you do. And I hope you feel free to get active!