The Importance of Exercise and Our Mental Health During Covid-19.
Cherice R. McNeil, MS, BA Licensed Zumba
COVID-19 has impacted us all in many ways.
Parents are now doing their best to homeschool their children and provide meals three times a day. We are working from home or searching for new employment. Life as we knew it has changed dramatically. During this time, tensions are high, people are anxious, and overwhelmed while being quarantined for an unknown duration of time. We are in a peculiar time that most of us have never experienced; we must pivot from our routines, adapt to our current way of life, and focus on our overall health. What steps can we take to ease some of our frustrations? Exercise, of course!
Exercising helps improve mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, negative mood, cognitive function, and social withdrawal. Carve out some time to improve your well-being by focusing on your mind and body. Exercise helps individuals lose weight and lower the risk of contracting some diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. Exercise produces endorphins which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and reduces stress.
Lifestyle changes could be a cost-effective way to improve your health and quality of life.
Aerobic exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression. Aerobic exercises include Zumba®, walking, dancing, running, step aerobics, cycling, and gardening. To be effective, we should spend a total of 30 minutes each day participating in moderate exercise routines. There are various free fitness classes and demonstrations available on YouTube and TV via On-Demand fitness. Whether you are an avid fitness participant, new to working out at home or on a path to adding fitness into your life, there is a video for you.
Keep in mind, an essential component in the modification of your lifestyle is exercise!
Cherice R. McNeil, MS, BA
Licensed Zumba Instructor Group Fitness Instructor rubyredfitness18@gmail.com https://chericemcneil.zumba.com
@rubyredfitness
Instructor Group Fitness Instructor