Unique Times

It’s Move it Monday and as we move into April with the vaccine underway and more and more people vaccinated, we are hopeful for a continued reduction in cases with a hopeful eye on the future, as we get the virus under control.

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year of staying in and masking up when we go anywhere and in many ways it feels like a lot longer;  especially for those that have gotten Covid,  lost loved ones, their businesses and income or suffered from mental health issues.  Covid has been a black cloud for some and my heart goes out to all of you who have been shaken to the core of this dreadful disease. 

It’s no wonder depression is on the rise and mental health has been compromised with isolation at a high. Winter months with reduced light is always challenging but here comes the sun with spring blessing us with warmth and light, so it’s time to celebrate and get our booties moving.

While some are thriving in this virtual reality world those are far and few between.  For the most part, it’s been challenging for everyone and especially for people in big cities that are stuck between 4 walls everyday.  

According to one survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 40% of respondents—from a pool of more than 5,400—experienced a negative mental or behavioral health condition in the month of June alone; problems included anxiety and depression (CDC 2020). And the American Psychological Association’s Stress in America™ 2020 survey of more than 3,000 adults found that tension hit parents and people of color particularly hard, with many respondents stressing about the coronavirus, the economy and the government’s response to the pandemic (APA 2020). 

The effect this has on our psyche can be insurmountable making getting up and moving critical for our mental state, not to mention our physical state.  Weight gain is also on the rise with less movement with everyone glued to our computers.  I’ve even spent hours on end at the computer writing when my job is generally active 24-7.  Kudos to you if you are making exercise and healthy eating part of your life and adhering to a program.  

Never before has it been so important to clear our head and break away from screen time.  Exercise increases serration levels which reduces stress, combats depression, anxiety and addictive behavior such as drugs, alcohol, porn, over eating , etc. You are not alone and there are many scientific studies that show how movement and exercise can help combat these conditions and have better outcomes against the negative outcomes of mental health effects of the pandemic.  Not to mention it helps weight-loss, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, reduces diabetes, increase immune function, reduces auto immune disorder symptoms, helps with Alzheimer’s etc.  

SO…. HERE COMES THE SUN!!!!!

NO MORE EXCUSES!  IT’S TIME TO DO THIS AND REMEMBER TO STAY MINDFUL AND BREATH which helps calm your nervous system, increase oxygen levels, and keeps your eye on the task at hand keeping you centered and relaxed.

Some of you started when I wrote my last Move It Monday and I gave you a base program to start with.  Refer to that if you let it go by the wayside.  

Otherwise, it’s time to step it up and I’ve devised a 22 minute workout to do just that.  It’s a begining intermediate class but you can do it in segments and curtail it the level you need to.

Encourage More Daily Movement

We should all move our bodies in some form or fashion every day, says Hillary Cauthen, PsyD, executive board member for the Association of Applied Sport Psychology. With the pandemic restricting many of our activities, it’s more important than ever to take daily walks (or runs), twice-weekly weight training, and 10- to 15-minute stretch breaks throughout the workday. Set up a buddy system or check-ins between training days. The more we move, the better they can tame stress.

IDEA is a Health and Fitness Association I am a member of if any of you want to check it out from time to time and I extrapolated some of my information from their sound advise.

Happy Monday wish is was Sunday, I don’t have to work day but it’s just another manic Monday. Hey, but I did have a good weekend and I hope you did as well. We woke up to the coyote laying at the pool sunbathing and Hunter up at 3, 4 and 5 wanting to chase it and so bummed I didn’t get a picture for you.

Make it a great day and week and Happy Celebrations to all of us as we get out in the sunshine and move!

Thanks for your continued support, liking (if you do of course), commenting and or sharing if you’re inclined.

Blessings of Light and Love,

Cindy

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