During this lockdown, I’ve learned the benefits of slowing down. I’m looking at areas of my life that were completely out of sync in order to live a life of health and longevity. Erratic sleeping habits, a constant need to achieve things daily, no matter what and when. In fact sometimes resting and switching off would produce better achievements in the long term. I would find myself rushing interactions and rarely being present in the moment due to being in a constant state of moving from one task to another as my mind wandered into the future.
Since having to close the gym due to the coronavirus pandemic I’ve improved my sleeping habits massively. I’ve disciplined myself to take things slower and accepted the times that when I can’t think as clearly about a task, to leave it, switch off and do something relaxing or fun that involves being present. I’ve put my own exercise and good nutrition back to the top of my priority list, daily. I have new ideas without forcing them and I’ve become far more refreshed, both physically and mentally.
These are some of the LOCKDOWN LESSONS I’ve learned and something that, despite the uncertainty, I’m very grateful for.
My Top 5 lockdown tips
- Keep a regular time of going to bed. Switch off technology
- READ OR LEARN SOMETHING NEW, IT’S THE PERFECT TIME TO DO SO
- KEEP ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION IN CHECK AS IT’S SO EASY TO GET INTO A REGULAR HABIT OF DRINKING MORE THAN NORMAL
- DO THE TASKS YOU’VE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO DO OR COMPLETE WHILST BEING TOO BUSY WITH WORK
- MOST IMPORTANTLY, KEEP EXERCISING. USE BODY WEIGHT, WALKING, JOGGING, CYCLING, LIFT WEIGHTS IF YOU HAVE THEM AS LONG AS YOU KEEP EXERCISING. THIS WILL KEEP SOME LEVEL OF CONDITIONING BOTH PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY SO YOU CAN EMBRACE YOUR TRAINING EVEN MORE WHEN THE RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED.
Take care, keep fit and keep safe.
Andy Burton
