Here’s How You Can Exercise Daily During COVID-19

As we live through this unprecedented time, it’s important to stay active for our mental, emotional, and physical health. I will be the first to admit that there have been days when the worry takes over, and I want to lay on my couch and fret. The last thing I feel like doing is remembering to exercise daily during this time, even though I know how important it is! These also are the days I need it most.

I’m not sure about you, but I’ve felt different almost every single day during our social distancing. I oscillate between terrified, grateful, stressed, depressed, and thankful for time with my family.  

However, even though we’re living through these strange times, we have to remember that we’re going to come out of it, and we have to set schedules for ourselves that include exercising daily.

Why You Should Exercise Daily

You’ve been told you should exercise daily, but really, why should you? Even if you’re not trying to lose weight or gain muscle, here’s why you should exercise daily during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Exercise Daily To Improve Your Mood

During self-isolation, it can become extremely easy to be depressed. Exercising helps to improve your mood because physical activity stimulates brain chemicals that leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. Ever heard of people talking about a ‘runner’s high’? The same thing happens when you work out.

Exercising Daily Promotes Better Sleep

I don’t know about you, but I find if I don’t move all-day I have a hard time falling asleep, or a hard time staying asleep. If you exercise daily, you’ll find that you sleep better through the night and fall asleep quicker. Just remember to not exercise too close before you go to bed, or you might be too energized to sleep well.

Exercise Daily To Help Your Posture

If you’re in an industry where you’re able to work from home, you may find that your posture is taking a hit from sitting in make-shift offices. Eating at the kitchen table is nice, but working on a computer hunched over at the kitchen table for eight hours is not at all nice. 

If you find that your back is hurting more than usual, try out these 10 exercises to improve your posture. These are easy exercises that can be done in the office or at home, so while you’re stuck at home, try these out.

Personal Thoughts During This Time

I really struggled to write this blog because I feel totally inept to do so. Every time I have a break from the kids where I could sit and write, I think to myself “Ummm who are you to give anyone advice on staying active when you wake up every day unsure if you’re going to do something even slightly active?” Here’s the thing, guys, I do stay active almost every single day, so I decided to give it a shot and share my thoughts.

We all KNOW that staying active is important not just for our bodies but for our minds, but maybe right now is a good time for us to remember. My heart breaks for those people whose bodies have been attacked by COVID-19. I pray for them, their families, and for their recovery. For those of us who have stayed healthy so far, what is COVID-19 doing to our mental and emotional health? Our bodies are intact, and we’re breathing clearly, but are we thinking clearly? Are our emotions and thoughts healthy? I can’t answer that for you but for me that’s a resounding NO. As a momma of four, the co-owner of a small business that is closed, and the proud owner of a significant case of anxiety, I am most definitely not doing well emotionally or mentally. And I know I’m not alone. This is HARD guys!

Let’s just start with the kids… holy cowboys, my friends, this is tough. I know my children feel my stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. They absorb our energy when things in their lives are normal and consistent. They are trying to wrap their heads around school being over, learning on their computer, missing their friends, and let’s be honest, loneliness. You’d think with six people in the house it would be tough to be lonely, but not so much. Anyone want to guess what we do when I can feel their stress and frustration and sadness creep in? And yes, sadness is a big one for my kids. We EXERCISE DAILY! 

How We’re Exercising

We have taken so many bike rides that my butt never stops being sore. We all load up on our bikes, and we just ride. Some of us sing and dance (Cole and Nick), some of us just breathe (me), some of us chit chat (Meggie and Jilli), and some of us genuinely wish he were someplace else but knows he needs to do it (Trent). Is social distancing easy with an almost 4 year, 9-year-old, 11-year-old, and 13-year-old? Goodness, no, but exercising daily sure does help. Bikes, baseball, basketball, volleyball, walks, driveway workouts, and made up games have been invaluable to use the last three weeks. 

Then, of course, there are the days where my family and I don’t want to do anything! And every single time, I’ve forced myself to do a step up on my stairs or pushups in my front yard. After I do it, I never regretted it; I always feel better. It can be too easy to keep saying to yourself “I’ll do it later” or “I am definitely working out tomorrow!” in our current situation. After speaking with our coach I’ve made some decisions in terms of keeping my mind, body, and emotions as healthy as I possibly can right now. They may help YOU, and we can try it together. It most likely won’t work for everyone since all of our situations are unique but if it can help one person keep their Sh*t together, I thought I should share. 

I’m printing myself a schedule…by the hour. I’m setting an alarm, planning my homework and my gym-work, and I’m scheduling ME TIME. What is ”‘me time” going to include…most definitely bike rides, picking up some heavy stuff and putting it back down, and absolutely 100% I’m going to read a book and enjoy every second of it.  

We hope these tips and advice convince you to exercise daily, and our personal insight help you to stay active during the COVID-19 isolation period. And don’t forget, we’re here for you!