Healthy Habits for a Healthy Life

Has covid stress turned into excess weight? You are not alone, and here are a few tips to help you begin healthy, fun, lifestyle habits.

Working for a fitness brand we talk a lot about health, but not as much about wellness and self care. The National Wellness Institute defines wellness as “an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence.” One huge takeaway from the last 12 months that I believe many are seeing, is a greater recognition for our own wellness routine and expressing empathy for others and their daily experience.

Now that we have this awareness, it’s time we lean into nurturing the mind body connection that we call self care. Did you know that emotional stress affects all systems of the physical body? Did you also know that physical exercise can reduce emotional stress?

Scientifically we all know that daily movement is incredibly beneficial for physical health. Yet post-pandemic the “quarantine 15” is more like the quarantine 20+ according to a recent New York Times article. So imagine you are someone who already had excess weight, then life got flipped upside down and a year later, instead of losing that 10lbs you had planned on, you acquired more excess weight. Where would your head be at in this moment of realization?

I can tell you, because my thought went exactly to the self-deprecating place of my youth when I thought nothing I did was ever good enough. So again, let's define wellness, “an active process through which people become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence.” Buzz word or not, self care is a daily activity we are all learning to accept on a societal level, which means access to a supportive community, motivation to move, and conversations on mental health without judgement are invaluable. Dr. Fatima Stanford, an obesity medicine physician and educator notes, “There are a variety of factors that may contribute to weight gain, however it’s important to recognize that it’s not just the individual that is responsible for weight gain... it may be secondary to genetics, development, environment, and/or behaviors."

So here we are at a crossroad. Where do we go from here with our wellness routine? You could consult your physician or consider incorporating some of these self care suggestions into your day:

1. Low-impact activity - no surprise here, 10 minutes on a JumpSport Fitness trampoline will wake you up, energize you, and help you start your day right.
2. Eat a healthy breakfast - need I say more
3. Drink water - I remind my family this every time they complain about anything. We all need the constant reminder to drink more water.
4. Vigorous activity - Go to the gym or stream a workout class that you know will make you drip sweat.
5. Bedtime ritual - having a calm bedtime routine is key to quality relaxation. Tea, reading a book, shutting off all screens, stretching, breathing exercises, meditation, journaling, coloring, or simply get cozy in bed. Find what relaxes you and make it your own.

With any new habit that you form, consistency is a key factor. For help with accountability, start with a friend, family member, or join a group to help you stay on track. These are a few things you can do to form healthy habits for a healthy life. Additionally, setting specific goals and tracking your progress can be incredibly motivating. If you're seeking professional guidance to enhance your fitness journey, consider finding a certified personal trainer. You can explore this list of the best personal trainer certification programs to find qualified professionals.

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