The year 2020 has taught us many lessons. Lessons including how important it is to be fit and have a good immunity, how important it is to save money for uncertain times, and to cherish every moment with loved ones.
The first few months of the lockdown took a toll on my overall health. Lack of physical movement, the constant stress of household chores and increased working hours, PMS and irregular periods, stress headaches and also a couple of dehydration/low BP led fainting spells! That was the alarm my body was giving me to take care of it, after all, your body is the only real asset you have.
The last couple of months I have been working consistently on making myself fitter. No fad diets nor overtly exerting my body with challenging fitness routines, but taking it slowly and steadily making sure I am enjoying the routine and not finding it stressful. Here are my 3 steps towards a fitter self:
1. Yoga & Meditation
Pranayam and yoga helps cool down and relax the body, the stretches are needed to untie the knots and give yourself more flexibility and keep you fit overall. Meditation is of so much importance when you're feeling stressed out too. I am following online tutorials and instructors and every class leaves me feeling blissful and rejuvenated.
2. Nutritional Supplements
We are not spending time outside in the sun, and overall need better immunity to help fight the virus - hence intake of Vitamin C and D is very important. But that's not all, I am also using Enlightlife Metabolism & Essential Electrolytes Kit to tackle the dehydration/fainting spells and increase my metabolism, which otherwise was really low.
Enlightlife has a wide variety of health supplements catering to different needs and problems. I love their metabolism kit that includes chia seeds and aapro bean, you let the chia seeds soak overnight, and then in the morning mix in some aapro bean powder, stir and drink! They also suggest to add some honey and a dash of lemon for it to taste better, but I have not been doing that, and have gotten used to the drink now!
They also have some very interesting products like Tenderich coconut powder to mix with water and drink (after all where are you going to regularly get coconuts in the lockdown) - totally needed to balance the body's electrolytes. I was actually prescribed coconut water by the doctor, so this one is a boon for me. Other interesting products include Turmerich which basically is a haldi+pepper concoction with some mango pulp to make it tasty, also there is this super cute sized Aaprobean Peanut Butter Cocoa Truffle Bar which can give you instant energy before or after a workout! The packaging is so compact that I will definitely buy more to carry in my bag always - to combat sudden hunger pangs or give myself that little boost when I am feeling a little weak.
3. Dance Fitness
I used to go for Zumba classes thrice a week till last year and it was the most fun and stress busting activity for me - and the fact that it helps me burn calories and keeps me fit was an add on! I am not using Cure Fit app to take live dance fitness sessions at home - cast it to your TV and it is fun - with changing songs and steps - do try (they have free trials too and there are always deals on their monthly subscriptions).
Though I have only lost a Kg or two, I am feeling a lot more energetic, fit, can feel the loss of some inches and there have been no fainting spells in two months - so basically I know that I am certainly moving in the right direction, and consistency is key! I am a big time foodie and have cooked a variety of delicacies over the lockdown and never stop myself from having butter, cheese, breads, cakes etc - just making sure I am having them in wise proportions, giving myself a cheat day to indulge and being consistent with my supplements and exercise - that is all!
Do note: I am not a certified advisor and please make sure that if you are going to follow any of my methods, you have an okay from your doctor and know what suits your body. Avoid extreme yoga or dance workouts if you have knee/back injuries.
