Over the past few months, our lives have been on hold. We have stayed home, "social distanced," and now wear masks when we go outside. The way businesses are operating have pivoted, as well as how people live their everyday lives have changed indefinitely. Let’s face it. Stress is HIGH.
During these challenging times, it is important to ensure that we exercise and eat a healthy diet. Extreme stress raises cortisol levels, causing us to gain weight and develop inflammation. This impairs our immune system's ability to effectively respond to pathogenic microbes, predisposing us to getting sick.
Exercise allows us to better manage stress. In addition to producing endorphins, exercise allows us to focus on our bodies and give our frantic minds a rest. Because exercise strengthens and balances all systems of the body (i.e. cardiovascular and respiratory), symptoms from many health conditions are relieved. Levels of cytokine production are reduced, along with insulin and leptin, benefiting individuals suffering from obesity and type 2 diabetes. Exercise also improves sleep and has been shown to boost the immune system in both breast and colorectal cancer patients. Performance intensity should be moderate. If we stress our bodies too much, we risk injury and may cause cortisol and other inflammatory factors to elevate.
Eating healthy is just as important as exercise to help our bodies function at their optimal levels. A well-balanced diet provides us with the necessary vitamins and minerals that boost our immune systems and nourish our bodies. Nutritious diets should primarily consist of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and sources of healthy fats and proteins.
Because a healthy lifestyle is so essential, many workplaces and exercise facilities are adapting and taking extra precautions so you can exercise safely. Some workplaces allow remote employees time throughout the workday to move. In-office spaces may offer employees time to take walks outside or have a gym for them to use. Gyms and other exercise facilities may offer classes virtually or outside, or they may operate at reduced capacity while increasing sanitation and encouraging social distancing.
While it is easy to develop unhealthy habits during these stressful times, finding balance and adaptability allows us to stay healthy. Doc Builder works with a number of medical organizations and health practices to ensure health remains a number one priority during these uncertain times. Contact us today to see how we can help!