Food security, public health, employment — the COVID-19 pandemic has brought many problems to our society that it is no surprise if many of us have been feeling anxious and afraid. Due to this pandemic’s effects on our physical, emotional, and mental health, many people have been trying to find ways to engage with each other virtually to lessen the burden of this difficult situation.
People all over the world have started picking up hobbies. Some have decided to start gardening, some have chosen baking, while some have chosen fitness.
Now more than ever is a good time to try to get back into shape. With the ongoing pandemic, we are expected to maximize our resources to stay safe, healthy, and away from the virus.
What are the ways you can do to take care of your well-being during this time?
Wellness Comes First
Waiting out this pandemic has brought about many consequences for our bodies. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, we have been drained and reduced to stress. Given this situation, some of us might have disregarded healthy habits and indulged in self-destructive behavior. What are the things you can do to take care of yourself today?
Have you tried deep breathing exercises? Abdominal breathing or belly breathing allows the lungs to get a full share of oxygenated air compared to shallow chest breathing. Belly breathing involves breathing deeply through your nose, filling your lungs, and rising through your belly. This technique can slow your heartbeat and stabilize your blood pressure.
When relieving yourself of stress and pain, binge-eating junk food is often the go-to stress-reliever. While acupuncture is not often the first thing that comes to mind for some people, it offers many health benefits. Acupuncture promotes wellness, such as maintaining the ideal weight, reducing anxiety, and even relieving insomnia. Find an acupuncture center you trust so that you can try their wellness services.
If you are watching your weight, it is better to indulge in physical exercise than fad diets. Regular workouts with your family can be a daily routine that you can bond over. Besides keeping you physically fit and your blood flowing, working out can also improve your mood and reduce your stress levels. Keep yourself happy and stress-free by doing those push-ups!
Have you had difficulty sleeping these past several months due to insomnia and anxiety? Perhaps you should try stretching before going to bed! Studies show that participants sleep better at night when accompanied by stretching beforehand. Stretching can help reduce body pain in the morning. It can also improve muscle health and performance, which can assist in your daily workout routine.
While these are ways to take care of your body, why do we need constant reminders anyway? Society has conditioned us into thinking that we are productivity robots who need to be constantly working to be considered decent human beings. That can’t be farther from the truth because our value goes beyond work and money.
Perspectives on the Body
Being healthy and maintaining our overall wellness may mean differently for each person. Health myths are surrounding our body image. These might cause unhealthy lifestyle habits to achieve the “ideal and perfect” body.
One of the common health myths is that eating any kind of fat will make you fat. What is true, though, is that eating fat in moderation is necessary for overall health. Moderate amounts of healthy fat increase feelings of satisfaction and fullness. These healthy fats include olive oil, nuts, and avocados.
Another misconception is that being skinny is equal to being healthy. Thinness does not determine health. Simply being naturally skinny does not mean you have to skip working out and seeing a doctor for a regular checkup.
As mentioned, one of the myths surrounding body image and wellness is the idea that diets work. Fad diets do not sustain weight loss. A better option is eating in moderation and exercising regularly. Working out might be what you need for sustained weight loss.
These common health myths should be noted that they are simply myths. Taking care of yourself should not involve sacrificing the essentials. Educate yourself on proper nourishment to be able to take care of your body well.
Your overall wellness is more than just the number on the scale. Wellness includes your emotional and mental well-being. Learn how to detox your body from unhealthy habits to stay safe and healthy during this stressful time.
