The coronavirus pandemic has had a global impact on pretty much everybody from young teenagers to adults going through their final years of university. Everyone has been struggling through the challenge of a restricted daily routine, and the biggest concern, especially for students, has been to cope with not being able to keep up with their social life. As a result, many have been impacted both mentally and physically.
Like everywhere else around the world, students from South Africa have too felt the impact of Covid-19 as they have too been forced to study from home over the internet. For many, this mode of education is unsuitable, which has compromised on their quality of learning. Besides that, not attending school on a regular basis has also affected their social life and the ability to stay fit and healthy, both mentally and physically.
If you also happen to be a student that has been overwhelmed by the pandemic, we have listed 5 tips to help you stay fit and keep healthy below.
Tip#1: Make a plan that motivates you
No one knows you better than you! So, come up with a list of motivating factors for yourself and make a daily routine that is balanced and motivating to you. Do not force unnecessary challenges upon yourself if you are struggling. Instead, start slow and gradually build up as you slowly get back into routine. This will not only help you stay motivated but will also greatly help you with keeping consistent.
Tip#2: Make your workouts a priority instead of a rarity
Rather than jumping straight into the most challenging workout routines, start slow and gradually build up as you get more and more used to exercising. This is a great formula that will not only help you get back in shape but will also help you to stick with it. We are all different so be sure to make amendments to how challenging your workouts need to be for you. Most importantly, don’t burn yourself out as that can impact your level of consistency and levels of energy.
Tip#3: Sleep it off
It is no secret that many students simply neglect sleep. And while you can certainly survive while you are sleeping 6 hours a day at random intervals for a prolonged period of time, eventually, this will catch up with you. The National Institute of Health (NIH) share that our sleeping routines and immune system functioning are strongly connected. So, cutting down on your sleep is not an ideal long-term scenario. Generally speaking, you should follow a sleeping routine that allows you to rest between 7 and 8 hours every night. At the end of the day, consistency in sleeping properly is super important.
Tip#4: Don’t neglect your mental health
Just like physical health, your psychological well-being is also essential for optimal functioning. Quite many would underestimate the vital role that psychological well-being plays towards our overall health until the moment it is compromised. So, take a break, go outside, exercise, run, or even go for a walk. All of these will help to build and strengthen your psychological coping muscles, which will make your life so much more enjoyable and happier.
Tip#5: It’s physical distancing, not social isolation!
Just because we are all going through a pandemic, that doesn’t mean that you must stay in your room and not see anyone in months. Remember that you must socially distance yourself from people, not socially isolate. Those two are very often mixed up despite being completely different things.
So, stay connected with your friends and family when and where you can. In today’s age, it is easier than ever to speak to the people that matter the most. At the end of the day, they will be the ones that will help you get through it all if you are struggling.