When the COVID-19 pandemic began, I found myself feeling stressed and anxious. To make matters worse, old aches and pains started to resurface.
I had stopped prioritizing my fitness routine, which led to a more sedentary lifestyle than usual. The combination of stress and reduced physical activity caused my old college back injury to flare up slightly.
This experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care.
Now, I make sure to prioritize my morning routine, which includes meditation, journaling, and—most importantly, for me—exercise.
While I do enjoy an intense workout, many days I simply opt for a long walk followed by 10-15 minutes of light, continuous movement using just my body weight.
My back feels great, and most importantly, I’m experiencing the physical and mental health benefits that come from regular exercise.
However, I recognize that what works for me might not work for everyone. Your self-care routine should be tailored to you. What activities help you feel and function at your best?
Even though our routines may differ, a variation of physical activity is often beneficial. I won’t dive into the science here, but if you’re interested, I’d be happy to share more!
Here are three exercises you can try at home. They’re great for anyone dealing with a cranky lower back, looking to feel better, or wanting to improve their fitness:
– Heels Elevated Goblet Squat (no weights at home? No problem! Just use a backpack filled with books or a jug of water): start with 3 sets of 8-10 reps
– Bear Position Hold: 3 sets of 5 breathing cycles
– Goblet Split Squat (use a weight or the same tool from exercise #1): start with 3 sets of 8-10 reps per side
