While technically not in a lockdown, our social circles and movements have likely contracted significantly. Amid this swirl of changes, we are surprisingly in the natural position to successfully start new habits.
Perhaps it’s counterintuitive, but behavioural scientists would agree that it’s most effective to change a lot of things at once rather than piecemeal. With all this change afoot, we might as well use the momentum and adopt some healthy habits that help us ride this second wave.
Wellness is on the forefront of our minds these days and many of us are inspired to up our self-care. Wherever we find ourselves on the spectrum of health, there is always room for us to improve and it can be the simplest of changes that bring the most profound results. While there are many well packaged products and promoted gadgets to get you glowing, you might be able to find all you need a lot closer to home at a fraction of the cost.
Incorporating movement into our lives during the colder months of the year can prove challenging. Adding playful activity into your daily routines at home can be one fun solution to get blood pumping.
Kitchen dance parties are not to be underestimated. It all starts with putting some tunes on when you are cooking. With telecommuting, videoconferencing, and Zoom family “visits” taking off this year, you could be the one to suggest dance breaks, charades, or teaching grandma how to “floss” – a new dance move.
Great deals on used exercise equipment can also be found on social media and other local exchange hubs. Enough people have near-new treadmills and recumbent bikes that have become extravagant coat hangers. Either dust them off, or free up your space by sharing these with others keen to get their cardio up this winter.
If the outdoor damp doesn’t dissuade you, grab your boots, and maybe even a friend, and hit the labyrinth of west coast trails.
Nourishing food can be found locally in a more abundant supply than ever. Many of us have more kale than we know what to do with, so invite friends and neighbours to glean. Trading canned goods, buying from local farmers and sticking to seasonal produce all fortify our bodies while treading lightly on the earth.
Calming the mind and slowing our breath are great skills for adapting to the continual changes around us. Free meditation apps, like Insight Timer, invite us to take a load off and have some “me” time that costs the planet exactly nothing. There are a wide array of talks, guided meditations and more to tune into, if you have the inclination.
It often turns out that what is good for us is good for the planet. Walking to the store, plating up local greens and listening to heartening talks online are excellent habits for these times of so much transition. Supporting immune health, improving local resilience and building connection to the natural world are great ways to get down with this “lockdown.”
Let’s Talk Trash is qathet Regional District’s waste-reduction education program. For more information, email info@LetsTalkTrash.ca or go to LetsTalkTrash.ca.
