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By Elisabetta D\’Avenia, personal trainer
By nature, as human beings we tend to resist change both negative and positive. More so when these changes are sudden and radical, to the point of forcing us to modify our daily routine entirely in only a matter of days.
What we know and we are used to are simply reassuring. The new reality on the other end, is perceived as \”surreal\”, \”unsettling\” and \”scary\”. Are we capable of imagining a different way of being and living?
As hard as it is, I believe that the only way to overcome the huge challenge in front of us is to keep a flexible attitude and to believe that reinventing ourselves is indeed possible. Just like you, I am also trying to navigate through conflicting feelings and search for new coping strategies. Please realize that you are not alone and that all feelings are valid, so try not to dismiss them. Just notice and name them without judgment. You might feel hopeless and powerless at times, and that\’s alright. Now that most things are in pause-mode, take your time to grieve: take a piece of paper and write down what kind of challenges this pandemic is adding to your life as well as the feelings that accompany them. Once you are done feel free to tear it into pieces or burn it! Now try to think of what the current situation is doing for you and put that in black and white too: it could be anything from discovering new resources that you never thought you had, to an opportunity to slow down and enjoy more time with your kids and/or partner, to the realization that you don\’t like your current job.
There is no right or wrong way to deal with these unusual times. Try to steer away from self-imposed mantras like \”I should be more productive\”, \”this is the time to get in the best shape of my life\”, \”I should not waste time\”, \”I should take as many online fitness classes as I can!\”. Be compassionate with yourself; our value is not necessarily connected to how useful and productive we are. Perhaps this is not the best time to stress your body with strenuous routines which can result in taxing your immune system or in causing a physical injury.
I like to give myself one micro-goal for each day and celebrate the small victories (it could be something as small as calling a loved one to make them feel less lonely or avoiding the social media binge before bedtime as to protect my sleep).
Reach out to your personal trainer or your group class teacher and let them know how they can help you. \”Hey, can you send me short workouts I can easily perform in my tiny apartment?\”, \”Can you teach me some self-relaxation techniques to calm down my nervous system?\”, \”Can I text you every time I remember to drink a cup of water?\”. The options are endless: I even offered to send my clients easy and nutritious recipes, should they run out of ideas for their meals! Keep in mind that we are your ally.
Most importantly, do not forget that this situation, is only temporary. We are all going to return to our previous lives or maybe only partially. However it will be for the best!
