The Importance of Self-Care in Preventing Chronic Health Problems
Stress is part of life, but before it gets to be too much, it’s time to take care of yourself. Self-care is not selfish.
We all experience stress, it’s hardwired into our DNA; the fight or flight response is within each of us. But when we’ve been cooped up for too long, or events outside of your control way too heavily on your mind, it can all be too much. Mental stress can have serious negative effects on your physical health. That’s why it’s important to take care of yourself, especially if you take care of others or if you’re the type of empath that others lean on, you need to take a break.
To help others you must first help yourself.
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At Home Exercises to Keep Fit During Quarantine
Moving your body is important on so many levels. During this time of social distancing, maintaining fitness should be a top priority, along with good diet and stress mitigation. And it’s entirely possible to get a stellar workout, without all of the expensive equipment.Â
Arnold Schwarzenegger, seven-time Mr. Olympia and action-hero extraordinaire, said, “There are a lot of things we can’t control during this crisis, so we need to focus on what we can control.”
He said, “Gladiators and Vikings didn’t have gymnasiums. I started my own fitness journey with chin-ups on a tree branch by a lake in Austria.”
If the idea of pumping iron, a la Arnold, doesn’t do it for you, get into yoga during this time away from society. While any kind of sport or exercise can be food for the body, mind, and spirit, yoga guru BKS Iyengar said, “Yoga allows you to find an inner peace that is not ruffled and riled by the endless stresses and struggles of life.”
When it comes to staying fit at home, there is something for everyone, whether it’s calisthenics, aerobics, Tai Chi, Qigong, yoga, pilates, or bodyweight exercises.
None of these activities require a gym, and they can all be done at your own pace. Or, if you’d like, you can follow online videos of expert fitness teachers. There are plenty of great yoga classes online taught by a variety of dedicated and experienced teachers.
