by Nadia Sinclair

A room brightly lit by the morning sun, reflecting off a forgotten exercise bike and a yoga mat gathering dust amidst personal belongings and reminders of pre-lockdown life.

We have all found ourselves abruptly immersed in unsettling and unfamiliar times. The global pandemic has sparked a seismic shift in our daily routines, mental states, and overall health. As a mental and physical wellness guide, I’ve provided advice to countless individuals grappling with the locks change has placed on our usual coping strategies.

Lockdown has for many been a churning sea of anxiety and uncertainty, punctuated by struggles to maintain a healthy weight, keep up with regular exercise, or sustain a balanced perspective on life.

As the world begins to refine social boundaries and resume some semblance of normality, some find themselves wedged between new sources of uncertainty whilst opportunities for home exercise or leisurely jaunts in the park are dwindling.

Here are my top five nuggets of wisdom to assist you in steering clear of rocks as you navigate the sea of change wrought by changes to lockdown.

1 Be Kind to Yourself

Celebrate accomplishment. A step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. Instead of scapegoating yourself for not maintaining your pre-lockdown level, acknowledge progress and celebrate the efforts you are making.

2 Embrace Uncertain Times

Accept the unpredictable twists and turns of life. If uncertainty, fear, or anxiety are preventing you from exercising, you may never stumble upon your motivation again. Familiarise yourself with uncertainty. Embrace it.

3 The Why Factor

Remember the “why” that motivates your connection to fitness. Keeping an eye on this “why” aids in retaining focus and stokes the flames of determination. Without a compelling reason, action is less likely to occur and maintain momentum.

4 One Task at a Time

Frustration can set in when life feels like a cascade of endless tasks. Balancing work and family can be overwhelming. Recognise you are capable of focusing on only one task at a time. Shift your attention down to just one.

5 Set Your Pace

Change is not a race, but a long journey. People often scramble to compensate for lockdown lulls by throwing themselves manically into new practices, only to crash and burn soon after. Start with small, manageable changes, keeping the long-term picture in mind.

However, some individuals may have more specific roadblocks created by recent upheavals. Financial struggles, emotional stress, and poor dietary habits can be addressed with the following strategies to help regain a positive outlook on life and your current situation.

Financial Stress?

Worrying over money never puts cash in the bank. But clear thinking can illuminate paths through monetary challenges. Try to let go of worrying, and instead seek solutions. Are there other ways to earn? Are there skills you possess that others might find valuable? Progress can be made by asking the right questions and shifting focus from problems to solutions.

Stressed Through Uncertainty?

Why fret over the weather? There are elements within and beyond your control. Make a list of what you can control (such as your diet, exercise routine, sleep schedule, and interactions with loved ones) and what you can’t (the Earth’s rotation, lockdown duration, the behaviour of others after lockdown). Concentrating on the things you can influence helps create a resilient and beneficial mindset.

Struggling with a Negative Mindset?

Don’t be hard on yourself if you’re feeling low; everyone goes through these phases. Notice these transient states and remember that they will pass. Your temporary feelings don’t dictate the person you are.

Comfort Eating?

Try to identify what’s driving your urge to binge-eat. Be it stress, boredom, or anxiety; pay attention to these markers. Find healthier ways to address those feelings like running or taking a bath. Recognise your triggers early to prevent unhealthy snacking.

The aforementioned expert in rapid transformations is renowned for facilitating mental shifts and has launched a 12-week program designed to help those feeling the strain of the pandemic.

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