Staying Strong in Body & Mind
One of the best things you can do for yourself is take care of your body and mind, but that is easier said than done these days. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll, making it difficult to find the motivation to exercise and practice selfcare. Don’t forget that while you shouldn’t feel bad for skipping a workout – it’s important to prioritize physical and mental wellness.
Do you like to move it, move it?
If you’re growing bored of the same at-home routine, here are some fun ways to move your body, elevate your heart rate, and lift your spirits. All you need is a little space and an open mind.
Beginner ballet or martial arts: Starting at an entry-level for these practices will help activate your muscles while increasing your balance and coordination. Due to the pandemic, these classes are being offered online by famous instructors from around the world. Learn from the pros in The Australian Ballet or meet your new sensei with Martial Arts for Beginners.
80s aerobics videos: Yes, you read that correctly. Believe it or not, vintage dancercise videos are a great way to stretch your muscles while working on your stamina and cardiovascular health. Check out the extensive selection on YouTube. Here’s a favorite – headband and spandex are optional.
Pantry-perfect workouts: Have a couple gallon water jugs stored in case of an emergency? Maybe a few cans of soup, or beans? You can use these household items to create a weight training routine to build muscle and get toned. Learn the secrets to a perfect at-home workout.
Make Some Brain Gains
Have you heard about the benefits of meditation, but don’t know how to get started with the practice? Simply put, it is the ability to focus on nothing. A core component of meditation is to develop rhythmic and consistent breathing to help reset both mental and physical functions. You inhale and exhale to nourish the body with oxygen and a sense of calm.
Fascinating facts about meditation:
- It has been in practice for 5,000 years. Learn the history of meditation.
- MRI imaging shows that parts of the brain visibly change and relax after just one meditation session.
- Some sources suggest it could only take about 20 minutes to experience the benefits of a meditation practice for yourself.
Give Yourself a Spa Day
Beauty is skin deep, but sometimes taking steps to take care of what’s on the outside helps us feel better inside. If you’re still wary of visiting salons, you can still pamper yourself at home.
- Face Masks: Unlike the protective masks worn in public for COVID-19 prevention, you can make facial masks to nourish, cleanse, and moisturize your skin with ingredients you already have at home. Mix oatmeal and honey for a gentle exfoliation and cleansing, mash some avocado to nourish, or prep a green tea and sea salt scrub to exfoliate and rejuvenate. Find more recipes here.
- Nails: If a gel nail treatment has gone past its prime during social distancing, you can remove the gels at home. Here’s how. All you need is some tin foil, cotton balls and acetone to safely clear the gel finish.
Hair: Has your bob grown into a lob, or your buzzcut into a pompadour while you’ve been distancing from your stylist? Put the craft scissors down and stick to a light trim until a professional can touch-up your ‘do. Here are some best practices for men and women.