Rediscover Fitness and Self Care in Quarantine

Taking care of our minds and bodies is such an essential part of life, and one that was hard even before Covid-19 exploded here two months ago. It has taken me awhile to figure out how to redefine my fitness and self care in quarantine, but I am getting there. I am trying to be kind to myself, because none of us have ever been in this situation before. 

Some people’s jobs have become so much busier, others have so much time they don’t know what to do with themselves. Parents have an added pressure of kids home all day, and trying to find an educational balance. Others have no schedule at all, so aren’t accomplishing much of anything. I know people who are losing weight because they can only eat at home, where others are gaining because they are stress-eating. Wherever you fall along these messy lines, it is okay. We are all adjusting, trying new things, and figuring out what our new “normal” is. 

It is important to take care of our fitness and self care in quarantine, despite this disruptive chaos. Your routine will look a bit different, is all. If you have lost your groove and are struggling to fit in taking care of yourself, again – that is okay! But it is never too late to get started. Here is what has been working for me: 

How I Am Managing Fitness & Self Care in Quarantine

1. Plan Ahead. At the start of all of this, I took two days to just “be”. I had no work, no commitments, and no expectations. It gave me time to sort my thoughts and get a plan for the week ahead. If your weeks have become chaotic, try setting aside time each week to plan the big goals for the upcoming week. If that is too much, look one day ahead. Read The Easy Way to Create a Fitness Routine for some ideas. 
2. Make a Commitment. I decided to make the commitment to teach clients online at 9am most days of the week. This gives me a reason to get up, get ready, and do something that lets me feel like I am helping others. Bonus: It gets me moving, too!
3. Make Plans. Accountability can be a big motivator, even if it is online, rather than in person. When I was invited to participate in online meetings with others in the fitness and Pilates industry, I did. It put another commitment on my calendar.  
4. Adapt. Okay, we have all been adapting! Remember that it’s okay to adapt your adaptations, too. I changed my schedule as the weeks went on, and when I felt like I was starting to do too much, I made adjustments. 
5. Try Online Fitness. My husband and I pre-book classes at our gym and then attend the live class. Again, it gives us something on our schedule and to show up to. If “showing up” isn’t an option, we at least commit to doing a pre-recorded workout. There are days that I feel a bit down and unenergized, but after I exercise I feel so much better (hooray for endorphins!). 
6. Join a Challenge. We also committed to a 28 day challenge with our gym to keep us motivated. An accountability coach sends us messages, and we have a Facebook group to keep us motivated, supported, and challenged. 
7. Have a Party! Missing family milestones has been hard for us, but we have planned a few Zoom parties. My parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, and even managed to make it a surprise party! They thought it would be just them, their children and grandchildren. We surprised them with as many extended family members (even my grandma!) as we could. It will be a happy, lifelong memory for us all. 
8. Include Others. Fitness and self-care in quarantine doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. At our house, meals have become more important, and we do walks and runs together. Even if you live alone, try a Zoom dinner with someone. Or make a phone-call “date” with a friend, where you both take a walk and talk at the same time. 
9. Visit Distantly. Since our children are older, we are able to manage distance-visits with our neighbours and some family. Talking from across the street to someone you care about will do wonders for your mental health, even if you can’t hug them (yet). 
10. Go Outside. I am so glad that the weather has been so nice, because it means we can go outside more than usual! Fresh air, nature-walks and getting out of the house can do wonders for your mood. 
11. Finish a Project. With more time at home, I have been accomplishing some household projects that have been on my to-do list for FAR too long. I’m getting rid of things and organizing, and it feels so good.
12. Adapt. Again. Just a friendly reminder. 
13. Take a Morning Walk. This is not something that I normally do, but I’ve added morning walks to some of my mornings. I have had so many new ideas with my business, and find that the walk helps me to sort my ideas and get focussed on what needs to be done each day. For those of you “cooped up” with a busy household, a quiet walk to yourself may start the day off on the right foot. 

I hope I have given you some new ideas if you have been struggling to rediscover fitness and self care in quarantine. And if you are looking for help to get your fitness-groove back, join me online! b.Pilates and Fitness has a private Facebook group just for clients and App Subscribers. We support one another, and I answer all of your fitness and Pilates questions, too. 
I have THREE online classes available through the b.Pilates and Fitness App; check them out, and then join the Facebook Group for added support. See you soon!