Time to Reset Your Life

When it comes to working out we can all find a million excuses why we can’t commit to it one way or another. Whether it’s because it’s too hot, too cold, we are too busy, anything to put off being active. As human beings we naturally steer towards the easier option and before we know it weeks have gone by without exercising and all we have to show for it is a bag full of excuses. In times like these we need to tackle the situation head on with a plan whether this situation lasts a couple of weeks or months we need to be prepared so that when it passes and life returns to normal it hasn’t come at the cost of our health.

There are three main areas that we believe if adapted into our lives, will help us through this period, these being fitness, wellness and mindfulness. All three combined will ensure that we have some form of normality and that we have something to focus on – because now more than ever is the time to look after ourselves and our health.

We’ve put together a few tips and tricks that can help us all stay accountable and ensure this disruption to our usual routines doesn’t affect our well bring.

Fitness

If going to the gym has never been your thing then this is your time to shine. There are now hundreds of free workouts online that you can do in the comfort of your own home – in fact the Bulalicious youtube channel shows you just how to do that without any equipment. This is the time to master a new fitness hobby such as pilates or yoga or even challenge yourself to HIIT workouts – right now there is literally nothing stopping you.

If you aren’t used to regular exercise and now want to get active if still locked down then your body may experience DOMS – delayed onset muscle soreness. Listen to your body and go carefully. Likewise if you are now fitting in 5-7 workouts a week be sure to stretch out those muscles and give yourself a day off. Whilst exercising at home we can often forget simple safety precautions such as staying hydrated, wearing appropriate footwear and making sure the area in which we are working out on doesn’t possess any hazards – so ensure you are prepared.

Don’t feel under pressure to rush out and buy all the latest equipment, your own body weight proves just as useful as gym weights. A simple 60-minute walk every day will also do wonders for your health and your body and skin will benefit from the fresh air.

If you have children then get them involved in your workouts they are now looking to you to guide them daily. Children imitate what they see so give them something great to watch and take ad-vantage of bonding over your fitness workouts and have fun whilst ensuring they too stay healthy.

Make exercise a priority not a chore and your body will thank you – set yourself a time each day where you workout whether it be morning or evening, time really is on our side right now so we need to utilise it well.

Wellness

If your job requires you to work from home make sure that your home office set up is ergonomically aligned for your posture. Ensure your laptop is positioned so you are not stooping over your key-board and that you are taking regular intervals away from your computer screen to give your eyes a rest.

Having a water bottle nearby to refill and quench your thirst will do wonders for your concentration as your new work environment may be a little distracting. Also don’t become reliant on caffeinated drinks to power you through your day as they will interfere with your sleep pattern and energy levels and although they provide a slight pick me up the come down is a lot more severe.

It is also crucial that we adapt to a good sleeping pattern right now in order to be productive through our day and so that we do not become sluggish from late night binge watching which can have a detrimental affect on our mental and physical wellbeing down the line.

Also planning your meals ahead will not only help you gain structure in your household but it will ensure that you are not snacking on sugary drinks and sweets just because they are in the next room. Prepare healthy snacks such as egg and spinach muffins for your breakfast and meals that will slowly release energy throughout your day. We don’t want to look back in 2-6 months and realise all we lived off was junk food whilst waiting for the storm to pass.

Look to planting fruits and vegetables as a way of being productive during this time, helping the environment by reducing plastic waste and eating organically from your own back yard.

Mindfulness

Right now we are spending more time at home than usual so we need to ensure our days are filled with purpose. So be sure to get up and make your bed and conduct your usual routine of showering and getting changed. Staying in your PJs is great, but can also make you feel sluggish and can ultimately affect your mood.

The world is throwing a lot of information at us right now and consuming it all at once can be bit overwhelming. This requires us to take some quiet time and disconnect from our devices and the world. Take a few minutes everyday to sit in silence and regulate your breathing thinking of nothing but your own thoughts and reconnecting with your body. As you would do in the office switch off from work at 6pm and put all electrical devices down by 8pm – this in turn will give your mind enough time to unwind from the day and switch off.

There are several tasks and hobbies that we can take up during this time that can occupy our minds and help us switch off such as painting or colouring or even word searches.

Having that escapism for 30 minutes a day will help us clear our minds and bring some positivity into our lives.

Music is known to lift our mood so take advantage of being your own boss whilst at home and put on your favourite music whilst you answer your emails or crank up the volume and have your own mini concert in your living room, no-body need ever know.

It’s also key that you do not feel guilty for having some youtime – it is essential. This may only mean having 30 minutes a day to read a book on your own or simply locking the door and taking a bath but that is vital you-time that is part of your own wellbeing.

At the end of each day find one thing to be grateful for, it may be your health or your loved ones whatever it is treasure that thought to get you through to the next day.

When else are we ever going to get this pause button on our lives where we can ask ourselves what do I really want to do with my life? This is the time to get a new hobby, start that new DIY task or even up skill yourself in preparation for a potential career change.

We have been given a perfect opportunity to press re-set on our lives, we now have to grab this with both hands and come out the other side more enriched and grateful human beings.

Whatever your new normal now consists of whether you are now homeschooling full-time or working from home or simply pottering finding ways to fill your day be creative and make sure every-thing you do benefits your mind, body or soul.

Remember that after every storm comes a beautiful rainbow.

Stay Safe! www.bulalicious.com