But while carbs and screen time can bring a satisfying rush of endorphins, the ideal covid humor will provide a more lasting thrill. It means an activity that is good for your body, mind and planet.
For some, it is the first metal of gardening, a low-impact physical activity that has been shown to reduce stress levels. Another option is the UK-led trend of “wild swimming”, which seeks nearby open water to clear the mind. (Want to double about the benefits? Try ice swimming.)
If you prefer to live on dry land, run and explore your neighborhood. All you need is a pair of shoes: no.
Whatever you choose, remember that even in the most trying moments, it is worth taking the time to take care of yourself. Your body – and the planet – will thank you.
Go bike ride
The Covid-1P epidemic’s most sought-after vehicle has only two wheels: bicycles have blown up store shelves since the early days of the crisis.
“The bike is like new toilet paper,” Eric Atai, owner of a Houston bicycle shop, told CNN in an earlier interview. It is clear why bikes are a popular choice. At a time when many people are anxious to use public transport because of the virus, bikes offer affordable, earth-friendly transportation plus plenty of fresh air.
Riding a bike is also good for you. Researchers at the University of Glasgow have found that cyclists have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death than other passengers. (More benefits than compensating for the risk of bike accidents.)
Play in the garden
Flies harvest more than prize tomatoes. Tender plants can also pay for the reduction of the stress hormone cortisol, according to a research paper in the journal Orphan Health Psychology.
Bringing down cortisol levels is a far cry from mood; It can affect your immune system, digestive system, blood pressure and even your blood sugar.
For older gardeners, low-impact, stable movement is the best way to control the disease. It can also be an enjoyable way to complete the 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity recommended by the centers.
And you don’t need a big yard to reap the benefits of gardening. Whether you’re volunteering at a local park, joining a community garden, or using a small patio for a container garden, people in the city can join in as well.
Done, gardening is a hobby that also helps the planet. When they change lans, urban household vegetable gardens can reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
Lead the way to cardio health
Don’t skip cardio routine because the gym is off: running increases your heart rate without expensive devices. (Some researchers argue that you don’t even need a pair of shoes.)
In fact, athletes have been on the run in search of epidemic-safe, outdoor workouts since the Covid-19 epidemic began. That is good news for health. Running a very small amount also reduces the risk of premature death, an international team of researchers found in the 2019 MetaNetical Study.
And trading in treadmills for outdoor jogs can also bring environmental benefits. Most gyms use air conditioners and workout machines that draw energy and increase the carbon footprint of your workout. Stay out, and the only energy you use will come from your muscles.
Get in the habit during the winter, and you’ll get a calorie-burning bonus. Working out in the cold improves your metabolism, zap calories and your mood.
Learn to cook
When restaurants close to mitigate the epidemic, people around the world have turned to their own kitchens instead.
It can be a silver lining for our health and money. Home-cooked meals are combined with a high-quality diet and a healthy body mass index, research shows. Not only that, cooking at home can reduce the cost of good food.
And if you choose the ingredients carefully, even cooking at home can make meals more planet-friendly.
Strategies to make your diet greener include reducing red meat consumption, using processed ingredients, and buying certain items locally. You get extra points to avoid the plastic waste associated with taking food from restrooms.
Try wild swimming
Indoor pool is a pathogenic accident: U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you may not be able to catch Covid-19 by water, but maintaining the appropriate social distance in changing rooms and pool facilities can be difficult.
There is no reason to live on dry land. Take “Wild Swimming” and join the trending movement of swimmers looking for places to bathe in lakes, rivers and oceans. You and your planet will be saved – large amounts of chemicals, as well, because some of the chemicals used to disinfect swimming pools can be dangerous to human health.
And in addition to the well-documented benefits of swimming for exercise, outdoor time will be good for your health. Outdoor time has been found to reduce stress, improve your mood and help you sleep better.
If you are willing to dare chili water, your health will get an extra boost. Some professionals believe that swimming in cold or icy water can help with chronic pain, depression, and inflammation.
Row, row, row your boat
With the arrival of hot weather in the spring of 2020, small boats were a big deal. The paddlesports industry, which includes canoes, kayaks, rafts and stand-up paddleboards, saw a huge increase in sales as people around the world were looking for ways to get out.
Perhaps because boats can offer a natural social distance; While a walking trail or bike trail can keep you close to others, there is more room to spread on the water.
But paddling also offers a big health benefit. The twisting motion used to move the pedal through the water is great for increasing core strength. According to researchers at Harvard Medical School, strong core slouching can help loosen up, improve balance and prevent lower-back pain or injury.
And then whether it’s a fun kayak trip or a session on a stand-up paddleboard, you’ll be able to navigate the water on your own. It makes the game an alternative to the greenery of boats running on fossil fuels.
Take “plaque” to clean up epidemic waste
After moving to West Sussex, England, author David Cederis began an unusual pair of hobbies: walking for hours and picking up trash on the side of the road. (The Thembo is actually achieving activity, with some activity saying “TasiThe “jogging version” is plugging. “)
While picking up trash isn’t the most glamorous hobby, Cederis went into a strong combination of physical, mental and environmental benefits.
Walking is an excellent, low-impact exercise, and easy to measure distance and speed to suit any fitness level. Meanwhile, doing helpful things – such as leaving your local area a little cleaner – has been shown to increase happiness.
And there has never been a better time than this to accept it. The epidemic has led to a proliferation of plastic waste, including disposable surgical masks and gloves. (The CDC still recommends that surgical masks be reserved for health care workers and first responders.)
If you’re going to help pick up epidemic waste, it’s important to be safe: wear masks and gloves and always put the trash directly in the trash.
Jane Rose Smith is a Vermont-based author. Find her work jenrosesmith.com, Or follow him on Twitter @jenrosesmithvt.
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