The benefits we get from cardiovascular exercise in both physical and mental health aspects are endless. Even though it might seem like something boring for some, engaging in those types of activities like physical and mental exercises can be the best and greatest gift you can give yourself.
Increasing the physical exercises you perform per day could be all you need you need to reduce risk for diseases like cardiovascular and diabetes - Regardless of your size or shape, studies have shown that consistent physical activity will truly add years to your life.
Today, we currently face perhaps one of biggest challenges and adversities as human being and citizens from this planet. We are currently advised to stay at home in a state of quarantine in midst of a global pandemic caused by the CoronaVirus. The world is faced with the reality of carrying on everyday routines within their home, including telecommuting and schooling. Staying home is essential for “flattening the curve” and preventing the spread and potential exposure of COVID-19, but the change in routine is leaving many in unfamiliar territory – especially when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle.
Below are the top 4 reasons why you shouldn’t ditch your exercise program, even if you are stuck at home and having to find different ways to still exercise (if you do need help, my friend Nick who is an awesome personal trainer put together a couple of home workouts that need NO equipment and you should definitely check it out by clicking here):
If just like me you are too quarantined at home, you probably find yourself hitting the fridge and kitchen for snacks more often. I did find great alternatives for my snacks that are healthier and more aligned with my dietary goals, but it is still not the ideal since I am not exercising as much as I used to do for this time period. Now, by completely NOT engaging in physical and mental exercises, you can be bringing negative effects on your body. It can cause you weight gain, make your organs malfunction, and make your bones weaker.
All these may lead to one or more medical conditions such as hypertension or diabetes. There are so many side effects to lack of exercises, such as high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke, metabolic syndrome (including abnormal blood cholesterol levels and obesity), type 2 diabetes, etc.
Laziness Feeling
Skipping your exercise in an attempt to “save energy” will actually have a negative effect. Finding time for exercise, even if it is as little as 15 minutes at least 2-3 times per week, will make you feel energized and less fatigued; it will boost your capacity to do more and achieve more. I guarantee you. Here are some quick 12-15min home workouts that require zero equipment and will help you a lot!
Your endurance and strength will be highly boosted by a routine of consistent physical exercise, as well as it will enable your cardiovascular system to run much more efficiently. Instead of not engaging in physical exercise due to a time factor, go for a brisk walk; you won’t regret it. In this time of quarantine and isolation, I usually listen to a 30-40min podcast while walking around my neighborhood. I usually do some bodyweight home exercises for 20-30min as well and I that is more than enough to get me back on track and energized for the second half of my workday at home.
Brain Power
Research shows that exercise is the most scientifically proven enhancer of your brain; it can have a transformational effect to every facet of your life. Exercise is the most innovative and effective way of getting the best from your brain. I usually take a break right in the middle of my work day to go and exercise for an hour or so, and get re-energized and give my brain a little break before it starts running and producing content and being productive again.
It is a fact that exercise helps your brain to perform at an optimal level. In fact, if you want to grow in your personal AND professional life, then I suggest you engage in some sort of physical exercise on a daily or weekly routine. Keyword being routine. I highly believe that WHATEVER it is that you do, if you keep your consistency that should be good enough. I will go ahead and give the example of my brother who works a typical 9-5 office job. He claims that his productivity and mood completely changed after he started implementing a 20min walk around the block after getting home from work, as simple as that.
Exercise improves your memory; you will be motivated to study or improve your academic performance. Other benefits of exercises are: it improves your executive functions, increases your intelligent quotient (IQ), increases your focus, increases your cognitive flexibility, gives you more willpower, enables you to control your emotions, sharpens your short term memory, helps your long term memory, makes you think faster and smarter.
Overall Happiness
Lack of engaging in an exercise program or physical activity can lead to problems such as low mood, depression, sleep problems, pain or chronic illness, stress at work, etc. Things as simple as going for an outdoor walk or bike ride can change your mood. Generally low mood and depression can include low self-esteem, tiredness, sadness, worry, feeling panicky or anxious, anger, and frustration.
Other symptoms may be being unable to sleep or sleeping more than usual, losing your appetite and not wanting to work. If you are feeling depressed or experiencing low mood, try joining your family and friends to engage in any physical activity that interests you. If you do this consistently, chances are that the depression and low mood will ultimately disappear within the shortest time, and you will regain your health to normalcy.
We should always remember that vitamin and minerals — particularly A, C and E, as well as zinc — play an important role in keeping the immune system strong and staying healthy with a better productivity rate and better overall mood while working from home. Staying at home at this time is very important as well as keeping a good and balanced diet. Filling each plate with produce, lean meats, dairy and healthy fats, will help us to get what we need to help keep our immune system strong.
Our body also needs fluids and electrolytes to function at its best. That’s especially true when you’re suffering symptoms like fever, coughing, diarrhea and vomiting, which can easily dehydrate you. Proper rehydration helps with recovery. Drinks with essential electrolytes such as Hydra-Guard Sports Drink have been recommended by the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics for decades to relieve symptoms associated with virus-related mild to moderate dehydration in both adults and kids. You could use the code JOAO10 for a special discount on the website, and I also recommend you to subscribe to the newsletter because they are always releasing special codes for even higher discounts on their products.
The CDC says if you’re experiencingsymptoms of coronavirus — including fever, cough, shortness of breath 2-14 days after exposure — seek medical attention immediately. Today is a great day to start taking the best care of yourself. Don’t skip on great nutrition, hydration, rest and exercise. Help others do the same. And, for the latest information from the CDC, pleaseclick here.