Define a ‘Superb Day’ – It is the day when we feel most energized.
Our overall appearance is just the way we like it (good hair day
included). We are able to take on any challenge (even if involves the
in-laws) and withstand stress (endless kitchen rounds). We have no
risk of any infection or illness (Amen to that). We are able to remain
focused. We look forward to enjoy activities in hand, stay fit and
happy. We get to meet our dear ones and enjoy a weekend barbecue
with our close friends. Aren’t these your Wish-list ideas during the
Covid-19 lock-down days? Everyone in Victoria and all of Australia
will give you a thumbs-up for these desirable pointers in the list. As
the consensus tilts towards ways to remain active and happy, let’s get
started on why and how we must keep ourselves occupied during the
pandemic days. There is a method to this madness and together, we
can tide over this.
SHIRK AWAY A SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE: GET ACTIVE
Scientific studies that were published recently in the Year 2020 can
throw a lot of light about Covid-19 behaviour in people. In the study
article titled: Physical activity and sedentary behaviour during the
COVID-19 pandemic: An Australian population study by
author Breanne E Kunstler Bralia, Peter Slattery and team from
Monash University, the following ways to attain good health were
measured.
The article stated: Participating in Physical Activity (PA) and
minimising time spent sedentary is important to achieve and maintain
good health. Time spent being physically active and sedentary could
be negatively influenced by the 2019 global pandemic where home
confinement restrictions were commonplace internationally. The
aim of this study was to identify the percentage of Australian adults
meeting the PA and sedentary behaviour guidelines during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
The scientists used the following method: Australian adults
participated in a cross-sectional online survey examining PA and
sedentary behaviours in the month of April, 2020. The results showed
that out of 1,084 Australian adults who took part in this online survey,
the majority did not meet the aerobic or strength components of the
guidelines. It was concluded that the reduction in activity and
increase in sedentary time could be due to the enforcement of
home confinement restrictions. It is thus, important to provide
opportunities for people to maintain activity during pandemics to
avoid poor health outcomes.
With science-backed facts, there is a growing need witnessed in
Australians to remain physically active to keep their mind occupied.
Here’s an excerpt from a study titled: Flattening the
Curve: Supporting Medical Professionals to Manage Stress
Throughout the COVID-19 Crisis by Dr Eleanor De Ath-Miller.
According to him, here’s an important message to take home for all of
us. He says – At the moment, the most relevant motivating factors I
can see that honour our need to move are probably: A) Burning off
stress hormones and B) Avoiding the health implications of otherwise
quite active people becoming more sedentary (as our movement in
the community is limited more and more).
Dr Miller says that there is some fascinating relatively new research
indicating that our muscles essentially serve as endocrine organs
after exercise within the whole mind-body equilibrium. Another arm
of this research has shown that it’s specifically movement as a group
that has extraordinary mental health benefits, which won’t surprise
those of you who exercise in groups or teams. This is called ‘Group
Energy’.
Dr Miller went on to add that our pre-Covid ‘move’ routine might be
tricky to continue with social distancing in place and we also have
children at home to care for, or elderly relatives to support. The kids
get priority mention here as they need to get enough physical activity
to keep their hyperactive minds occupied (while sports and school are
on hold).
The Mayo Clinic and other local Govt sources tell us that children
aged 3-5 need around 3 hours of activity a day (doing, playing, etc).
Over the age of 6, they need this plus at least an hour a day of
moderate (brisk walk/bike ride) to vigorous (huff and puff) physical
activity. Top up any outdoor time you can give them with the
wonders of the Interweb (‘Frozen’ and Star Wars themed yoga, and a
multitude of other themes and activities if your kids are way past
Anna and Elsa).
LET US HAVE SOME FUN WITH PAINTING KITS
On top of our recommendation list are painting workshops or art-
inspired activity sessions with Paint By Numbers Kits from the
popular website: www.paintbynumbers.com.au
There are also loads of yoga and exercise sessions available online
on web platforms at discounted rates for adults and kids at the
moment. Many websites offer subscription-based programs to begin
with instructional method of boxing classes, parkour and cardio
classes too. Remember that any movement in your day helps with
sleep too.
KIDS INDULGING IN LONGER SCREEN TIME SESSIONS?
In a study published on Grappling with Children’s Screen Time
During the COVID-19 Outbreak, written by Joshua Foreman, PhD.
He is Head of Research at Plano Pte Ltd and also a Research Fellow
at the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of
Melbourne. His study states: At-home alternatives to outdoor
activities and screen time could be a real problem in your home.
Indeed, your home may feel deceptively void of fun activities to do
with your children, and as such, it is natural to feel at a loss these days
when it comes to occupying their time. Especially when going outside
is no longer an option.
Creating a routine for your child is a useful way to ensure that their
time is used productively and with purpose. This routine should
include blocks of screen-free playtime. If independent play is a
struggle for your child, set aside some time to engage in play with
him or her, be it with art play sessions or drawing and painting with
you. This can include storytelling, having an easy workout session
together and even doing household chores together.
Dr Joshua says whatever you choose to do with your child, remember
to use these moments as golden opportunities to spend some quality
time bonding. Your environment is filled with objects that are
constantly competing for your attention, and this includes the
inquisitive questions or smiles of your child as well as the
continually vibrating phone in your hand. Sadly, the phone usually
wins the war for your attention, and when this happens, you lose an
opportunity to connect with your child that you will never get back.
Being forced to stay indoors with your child may be just the excuse
you need to get creative with multiple ideas to get started with by
logging onto: www.paintbynumbers.com.au and embrace quality
time with them. This may be the best chance you ever get.
Dr Joshua’s study made some conclusions stating: Everyone wants
what is best for their children. While Netflix Nanny is a tempting
substitute for your attentive parenting, the long-term well-being of
your children needs your attention now. Granted, it is hard to focus on
myopia and the array of other health concerns arising from device
dependency when the immediate threat of infection is so salient and
ever-present. Still, if you help your children to maintain a balanced
and safe relationship with their devices now when they are still able
to see the world and will surely thank you.
TOP 3 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR MIND ACTIVE & OCCUPIED
- When you’re alone in your room and wish to have something
truly uplifting to cheer you up. Go for your favourite book, one
that you wished to read for a long time.
- Make some time to hone your skills and explore your passion.
Write down a story with your childhood fantasises or begin a
journal. Spend long hours pursuing your hobby of painting
with Paint by Numbers for Adults. Go ahead and join an
online group dance classes and exchange lessons and notes.
- Seek purpose-driven activities. Visualize an outcome. Plan
your day and start a group to pursue this together. Push-up
challenge or gardening floral rows challenge. These tricks truly
work on your mind and you constantly feel energized. Release
your emotional energies in easy-to-learn activities.
