February 25, 2021
Challenge Yourself to Exercise
Challenges help us do new things and possibly step out of our comfort zones. This Self-Care section features three challenges that may benefit your physical and mental health. The exercise challenge can help you escape from reality while getting your heart pumping. Next, we have the relaxation challenge which is like a guide to having a relaxing week. Finally, we have the social challenge to help with the feeling of isolation and loneliness that may be caused by Covid-19.
Take a hike: When was the last time you enjoyed Mother Nature? If you’re feeling brave, bring yourself or another friend and explore the National Parks in Wisconsin. With COVID-19 in consideration, though, it’s understandable if you choose not to go through with this. P.S: Don’t forget to bring a mask. However, if you feel like the confines of your home have taken a toll on you, then a hike might just be the thing you need. Here’s a link to the Wisconsin DNR website. This will show you all of the primary hiking trails (Devils Lake, Ice Age National Scenic Trail, etc.) in Wisconsin alone, along with other smaller trails if you don’t feel like tackling one of the big ones.- Take a walk: This one is self-explanatory. Do it in your neighborhood, around a park, or on a trail. Walking is a great way to improve your overall health, and it releases natural pain-killing endorphins in the body. Here’s the challenge: walk for one hour and without any interruptions.
- Work out: Go to your local gym and work out; it’s as easy as that. Most gyms have worked around the finances in order to make it possible for people to afford a membership. My suggested workout gym? Planet Fitness. They offer the basic gym workout machines, the staff is friendly, and best part, they only charge $10 per month (for the basic membership fee).
Recommended workout time: 30-45 minutes. Anything beyond that time frame is fine; just be sure to stretch before and after your workout. With COVID in mind, most gyms have set a time limit for each person. Gyms have made it possible for their members to enter and receive the safest workout: social distancing is put into effect, masks are required, and employees sanitize after every machine and equipment has been used.
—Bruce Kong