What has been your attitude to Lockdown?
When we first went into lockdown, I actually cried when my gym had to be closed down, I cried about that more than the closure of pubs and restaurants or the schools! I made a vow to myself that I would NOT come out of lockdown in an unhealthier state than I went in and I would NOT let Lockdown emotionally or mentally BEAT me!
There are many Facebook posts sharing that during lockdown people have been eating more “treat foods” such as chocolate, cake, homemade banana loaf etc… Or the meme’s that state that “we’ll be so fat at the end of Lockdown; we won’t be able to get out of the front door”.
Boredom and eating go hand in hand a lot of the time HOWEVER, do you really want to come out of lockdown unhealthier, having put weight on, which may make you feel more sluggish, unhappier in yourself and unable to fit into your clothes? Most of these “treat” foods are full of sugar; which weakens the immune system and wreaks havoc with our emotions and hormones!
In our Pre-Lockdown life, we knew that exercise was crucial to a healthy mental state, decreasing stress levels and boosting our immune systems. BUT now, more than ever, these key benefits of exercise are absolutely VITAL!
The global energy of “Lockdown” is holding many in a state of fear, stress and anxiety, which is utterly draining on all of our energy systems. You may be experiencing less energy than normal, an inability to focus clearly or a lack of motivation. Giving yourself permission to “feel all the feels” is much needed and slow down when your body or mind is calling for you too. The danger happens when we spiral out of control; because then getting back on that first rung of the ladder to “getting up and moving” becomes truly difficult.
We can’t fight what is happening in the external world with Lockdown, but we can EMBRACE this time that we have been gifted and put it to good use. You can choose to focus some of this time towards improving your fitness levels and overall health, knowing that exercise in whichever form you choose, is a positive step to a healthier mind & body!
There have been numerous exercise opportunities – trainers are offering free online training sessions in exercise or yoga. YouTube is full of home workouts, download an app such as the couch to 5k or just get yourself out of your house every day for a walk. Find a way of exercising that suits YOU! You may even be surprised at what exercise you do love and discover an unknown passion.
If I could share one message to everyone, it would be to “Embrace Lockdown”. Use the time to do whatever it is that makes you feel TRULY good; discover what nourishes your soul and fills your heart with joy. Embrace what feels good for YOU!
Clare Spink is the creatrix and founder of Womb & Fertility Massage Therapy and Empowered Feminine Therapy – both of which are unique treatments culminating over 17 years work in the natural health field, ignited by a deep passion for helping women heal and empower themselves.