The past year has required everyone to adapt to a new way of living; People have worked hard to maintain a sense of normalcy, and the summer season has been a great taste of what we have all been missing. However, the road ahead will come with its set of challenges. Fortunately, physical activity is a fantastic means of self-care and influences both our physical health and mental wellbeing. Here are ways that you can keep up your physical activity while improving your mental health at home.
Finding Self-Care and Mental Wellness Through Physical Activity
The strive for optimal self-care has been at the forefront of many minds throughout the battle we have faced this past year. A person’s complete and overall health is fundamentally linked to theirphysical, mental, and social wellbeing. Though the social aspect of this has been difficult, working on our physical and mental health is more important than ever. Reflective of the ever changing needs to which we have faced, homeowners have been busy transforming their basement home theatres into personal gyms and being creative in the ways that underscore fitness and self-care in the current climate. Here are some ways that you can ensure you stay fit without relying on a gym membership this fall.
Keeping Fit At Home
There are many ways to remain active at home that are effective for various fitness levels that range from simple stretches to high-intensity training with professional equipment. Though having professional equipment can make it easy, it may not be an option for everyone. Simple alternatives like walking or jogging up and down the stairs, guided exercise videos, and various circuit exercises including squats, jumping jacks, and push-ups can still be beneficial. Anything to raise your heart rate and keep you active for even just 30 minutes a day can produce a positive effect on your physical and mental health.
If you find it difficult to dedicate 30 minutes to solely exercising, attempt to incorporate it into your daily activities; try some of those push-ups or jumping jacks while waiting for the microwave, or include some squats when putting away groceries. Start off slow and with simple changes, and from there it will become easier to dedicate the time needed to maintain and improve your fitness right at home.
Getting Active Outdoors
With the Fall air breeze cooling down the city, remaining active outdoors may be more appealing. Routines of self-care can include a wider range of activities outside, such as walks around the neighbourhood, or taking advantage of the various hiking trails and parks around Ottawa. If you are willing to venture outside of your neighbourhood, Ottawa offers a wide variety of beautiful green spaces, trails, and parks that are sure to boost your serotonin levels in no time. From multiple paths along the Greenbelt to the Trans Canada trail, these areas can interest anyone and get you exercising without even feeling like you’re exercising.
If you want a more intense workout, try picking hiking trails with a higher difficulty level or rougher terrain like Marlborough Forest, Eagles Nest, Blueberry Mountain Trail, or even Rock Dunder if you’re willing to travel to Lyndhurst, roughly 1.5 hours outside of the city. If something high intensity is not what you are looking for, a walk along the Rideau Canal or an easy level trail such as Lime Kiln, The Mill of Kintail, Limerick Forest, or Mud Lake are great options that also allow for social distancing from others.
Ultimately, self-care should be one of everyone’s main priorities. While the occasional pizza nights and relaxing bubble baths are absolutely deserving, physical exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve your physical and mental health. In a global pandemic, our main objective is to stay safe, and do our part to keep our communities safe, and if you are doing that, then you are doing great. If struggles or mental roadblocks arrive, go for a walk, take some deep breaths, do some stretches and remind yourself you are doing the best you can.