Opportunities for Wellness During COVID-19

​For most of us, if we are not essential workers, we have been home for a long time.  Many of us can feel overwhelmed, particularly if we are spending a lot of time on social media. Either we feel anxiety about getting this disease, or we believe we are being lazy if we haven’t taken the time to declutter the house or learn a new language.  The reality is, many of us are stressed out just trying to keep ourselves and our families healthy.  Add in the challenge of trying to work from home while homeschooling youngsters, and you may find yourself saying “what free time!”
 
There is hope and opportunity that can come out of this situation.  There are many things we can do now during this time to help our wellness that don’t involve a lot of extra time. 
 
Educating Children
Homeschooling in traditional subjects aren’t the only things our children will learn during this pandemic.  COVID-19 and germs have come to the forefront; now is a great time to teach children some habits around cleanliness.  Most of them understand why they are at home and can’t socialize with their friends.  This may be the only time they will listen to you when you tell them to wash their hands before dinner.  Try it, it just might work.
 
Food and Nutrition
North American self isolation seems to revolve around a lack of toilet paper, flour and canned goods.  If you are lucky enough to live somewhere with an abundance of food, and are able to shop or order groceries in, now is a good time to take advantage of the fresh meat, fish, fruits and vegetables available.  If some of your favourites are not available, the opportunity exists for the adventurous eater to try something new.  If you can’t find beef, try lamb.  If you can’t find apples, try mangoes. I just bought a case of mangoes at the grocery store for $8!  While it seems crazy, you just may end up eating healthier than you did before.  

The abundance of food in North America can also lend the opportunity to explore new types of cuisine.  Spices also seem to be plentiful, so try a new ethnic cuisine that you always wanted to try but were afraid to make.  Now’s the time to break out either the Instapot or slow cooker, or both.   Even though the Instapot and slow cooker cook food differently, using one of these appliances means that you don’t have to spend time in front of the stove.  The machine does most of the work, and there is only one pot to clean afterwards. 
 
Motorcycle Maintenance
This is a great time to take care of your bike. Many trails are still closed in some areas due to either weather conditions or self isolation measures. Now is the time to do that maintenance you have been putting off. Some things can be easily done at home, some things may require some skill or the watching of YouTube videos. If you find yourself mechanically inclined, go for it! If not, some bike shops are still open for service (always call ahead first) and would probably be thankful for the business.   
 
Fitness
With the quarantine, fitness at home programs are booming.  Gyms are closed, and community recreation programs have ended.  If you are missing your regular gym, fitness class or sport, why not give FitRiders a try.  Our program takes only 20 minutes a day and uses no equipment.  So, there is no need to rush out an buy any expensive equipment. The program is designed to get you into adventure riding shape when the riding season begins. Right now it feels like it will never come, but it will.

Even with children and spouses trying to get your attention, you can still carve out 20 minutes for yourself. You owe it to yourself. If you’re a morning person, and the family isn’t, try morning workouts. If you’re a night owl, try it after you put the kids to bed.  Better yet, get the whole family to join in! They’re missing their recreation programs too! It’s free for 60 days. You have nothing to lose, except maybe a few inches around the waist.

​Maria

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