Regardless of how committed we are to our own health and that of others, pandemic fatigue may have set in.
This might include the gradual, almost imperceptible loosening of our resolve to do what we know is best for us. We might put down our guard, and in the process, put up our risk level for infection or worse. So,gear up and join the boot camp to boost stamina and strengthen immunity here and now.
Start with a good night’s sleep. There are numerous apps that outline all the steps to achieve this goal. Get one to assess your current sleep quality and review all the factors that can improve your “zzzs.” This will increase your waking energy and focus, mood and effectiveness for the day ahead.Most critically, your sleep time is the major source of your body’s ability to repair, rejuvenate and restore immunity, which we need to stave off the virus. For all the latest on sleep, check out Dr. Michael Breus, The Sleep Doctor.
Step two is exercise. Regardless of where you are on the spectrum–from couch potato to athlete–make sure you are moving and challenging your body daily. For those who are exercise averse, there is gardening, housecleaning, and household chores to keep you active. Even a modest walk around the neighbourhood counts. The critical factor is consistency. It’s not if you will exercise today, but when. If the day has gotten the best of you, and you feel too exhausted to think about moving, don’t think, just get up and move. Walk in place, as you watch TV; grab some soup cans and do some arm curls; put on some music and dance. It is a researched fact that exercise elevates your mood, improves your bodily functions and builds brain capacity as well as immunity so get up and go.
Step three, let’s quiet our minds. Again, research has proven the effectiveness of meditation and mindfulness in stress management which builds stamina and immunity. But many have a hard time learning how, and most of us, when we try, feel we are not doing it right. The fact is, you can’t do it wrong, as long as you are trying. The goal is simply to focus our thoughts on the now for even an instant. As we consistently practice, the amount of time you can sustain the focus on the now increases.
Every technique starts with a focus on our breathing because that is our universal experience of the now, the present moment. Close your eyes right now, and just focus your attention for a few moments on your breathing without any attempt to alter it. Breathe in and notice it, breathe out and notice it. Congratulations, you have just learned how to meditate. Forget trying to clear your mind. After all, this practice is called “mindFULness.” Your goal is to focus on your breathe, and when you notice your mind drifting into thought, gently refocus on your breathe. That is the gist of this powerful practice that will earn you subtle and remarkable changes to your body, mind and spirit. For more on meditation, check out https://chopra.com/articles/meditation-tips-how-to-prepare-for-meditation .
Step four, let’s play. Indulge in, or rediscover some of the simple pleasures that bring you joy every day. For many, it is the solitude and grandeur of nature, observing a bird or butterfly in flight, the endless sizes, shapes and colours of land, sea and sky. For others, it is the arts. Performing, singing, making and or listening to music, engaging in the visual arts and writing all inspire and elevate our psyche. Others delight in the physical world where challenging our bodies to ever new heights of prowess gives immense pleasure–from dancing in your room to mastering Olympian feats of daring and bravado. Still others exalt in the joy of giving, reaching out, communicating, helping in a myriad of ways that return pleasure. These are just a few of the activities that make our psyche sing. Make them part of your day, every day, to maximize your well being and wellness.
Finally, step five, begin and end each day with gratitude. You can silently acknowledge or journal or share with another your gratitude for life, for the simple pleasures, even for the challenges that stretch and build your stamina and resiliency. Set your sights on these wellness goals and join the boot camp today. Let us know of your progress.
For additional articles on the pandemic, check out,
https://foodandwineaccess.com/the-recipe-for-losing-weight-during-the-covid-19-lockdown-really/
https://foodandwineaccess.com/cultivating-a-luxury-vacation-state-of-mind-at-home/
https://foodandwineaccess.com/where-will-pent-up-travel-demand-go-five-post-covid-19-predictions/
Click here to return Pandemic Lifestyle
Feature image courtesy Pixabay