Staying in seems to be all that we wish to do, and stepping out of the comfort of our house appears to be a real chore.[break]
Studies show a direct link between fitness and mood swings. People who exercise regularly and eat healthy rarely, if ever, have to face such blues. But now that winter is here, sometimes we can’t help but be lazy, and sometimes we end up feeling really down for no particular reason at all.
We feel thoroughly exhausted even when we haven’t done much.
Blame it on the weather or the monotony of routine life, but these days come and go every once in a while. What do you do on these strange days? How do you fight the boredom and what do you do to cheer yourself up, and most importantly, how do you make sure you keep up with your fitness regime on such days?
“The Week” talked to some exercise and health-conscious people and found out what they do when they have to face such situations and how they manage to incorporate fitness into their lifestyle on these days.
Walk your dog
A very easy way to get your needed workout and feel better instantly is to take your dogs for a walk. Dogs make great companions and cheer you up no matter what. Even just a lazy stroll around your neighborhood can do so much good, both for you and your beloved pooch.
“I take my four kids, that’s how I refer to them as, for a walk whenever I’m feeling down and it’s like magic. In a matter of minutes, I perk up and feel energized,” says Radha Pokharel, a 25-year-old vibrant girl who works for an NGO.
Do a bit of gardening
Gardening can be peaceful and relaxing. When you’re feeling gloomy and you aren’t in the mood for even a walk, grab some tools and get working in your garden. Plant a few flowers, get rid of some weeds or simply water your greens – anything will do to get your mind off the haze of the day.
“I find gardening very therapeutic. I think of it as a meditative form of workout. It gets your mind to ease up, calms your nerves and at the same time burns a few calories,” says Chinu Khatry, a medical doctor who is very health conscious and makes sure she manages to squeeze in an hour of yoga everyday.
Clean your house
Dust, vacuum, mop or wash your car – the list of things to do in and around your house is endless.
“Cleaning your house is like getting two birds with one stone. You get your needed exercise dose and a sparkling house, and you don’t have to leave the comfort of your house in the gloomy weather either,” says Ritika Adhikari, a young working lady who can be seen reorganizing the furniture or reshuffling the books on the shelves when it rains or the sun isn’t shining and she’s not perked up enough to go for a run.
Play a sport
It might sound like too much, especially when you’re not in the mood to get off that couch or step out that door but it’s invigorating and can perk you up real good and fast. Play badminton with your siblings or friends. If you don’t have the company, then dribble a ball and shoot some hoops. You get a good workout and your mood also gets better instantly.
“I play basketball whenever I feel down. Merely 15 minutes of shooting hoops makes me sweat and burn as many calories as an hour-long workout, and by the end the sense of gloom will have disappeared as well,” says Adriz Basnet, who used to be chubby as a kid, but thanks to sports has now shaped up and looks really dashing.
Cook a meal
One of the best ways to keep track of your health and fitness is to cook your meals yourself. Cooking your meals at home is the ultimate way to ensure that you’r getting nutritious and healthy food. Use less salt and oil in your meals and you are set. Cooking can also take your mind off things and help you relax.
“I love to cook and find that it releases all the pent-up tension and stress. I do up elaborate meals for the entire family on a gloomy day and it cheers me up, and the added bonus is all the appreciation I get. It’s a feel-good factor,” says Smriti Vaidya, a banker who one day hopes to have her own restaurant.
So even when you don’t feel like going out for a run, heading to the gym or you are just feeling a bit too lazy on a bleak day, you can keep track of your fitness and add some cheer into your day by doing little things like these.
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