Flex Your Brain and Make the Most of Now
Hello everyone stuck at home during COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. In my last blog I gave you a few exercises to keep moving at home. I also talked about the importance of staying both physically and mentally healthy during this time. At the end of this blog, you can even read about how I’m practicing what I preach.
As a staff member of a Physio and Pilates clinic I know that we are normally focus on the physical aspects of health. I want to make sure we are not forgetting about just how important staying mentally healthy actually is. To make sure this is not forgotten about, I have created a list of fun and easy ways to stay both physically and MENTALLY healthy, stimulated, active, productive… Whatever you want to call it.
The list is simple, there should be no surprises. What I suggest is that you pick at least one physical AND one mental activity from this list and really give both of these choices a solid go. The key to success here is scheduling and accountability. It sounds funny but it really is very simple. At the start of each week schedule when you are going to do each of the activities you have picked, and then talk about it. Tell people what you are doing and they will ask you about it regularly. Sharing your success with others is a great way to stay motivated.
Dance like no-one is watching – because there aren’t many people around to see you right now
Cook one new meal a week – You may have to go to the supermarket in the next few weeks . If so, plan ahead and buy some extra ingredients for new and fun recipes
Try a Pilates youtube video
Knitting, sewing, crochet or cross stitch
Read that book you’ve been meaning to start
Singing – what a great way to feel good quickly
Begin your morning with yoga
Learn a new language through Duolingo
Get into a good routine with your rehab exercises – if you need accountability, we are here for you through virtual sessions.
Pick up your musical instrument – there are many ways to learn music online and though old music books you might have lying around
Try a puzzle, lego, board game, chess or backgammon
Download a ‘brain games’ app to keep your mind stimulated
Fix the hem on those old pants and patch up your old jackets
Do 20 push ups – you might not be able to do this day one but you really do have the time to keep working at it.
Spring cleaning – it’s that time again!
Get artistic – if you don’t have paints use pencils, if you don’t have pencils use one black pen and learn some new shading techniques.
Video call your friends and family, during this time when we’re restricted in the people we can physically see
And there you have it. Have fun, get creative and stick with it! You don’t have to get stuck into the Netflix/x-box slump. You have many more options available to you if you put in that extra little bit of effort to schedule them into your week.
Finally, I would like to share with you all what I am working on during this time, as I appreciate being held accountable from friends, family and my community.
Here is a photo of my new ukulele. I am very excited to begin learning this new musical instrument.
As some of you know I also have a wrist injury that has been getting intermittent attention. For my physical challenge I plan to get real serious on my own rehabilitation, making sure I practice what I preach.
Tell me you plans. I’d love to hear what you have picked from the list. Email me at ayla (at) gastownphysiopilates.com to share your plans and I can email you back in a week to check in on your progress.