Staying Calm in the Midst of COVID-19

Thursday, October 8, 2020

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa., 10/8/2020-5:00p.m. − I think we can all agree when I say COVID-19 has changed our lives. Whether we like it or not, our world is different now than it was pre-pandemic. Coping with all these lifestyle changes has proven to be challenging for many of us, myself included. One thing that has helped me stay positive throughout these uncertain times is exercise. I must admit, at the start of quarantine I was not getting much exercise. I was so focused on the spring semester and maintaining my grades while transitioning to online learning. However, after the semester ended I decided to concentrate more on both my physical and mental health. Gyms had not re-opened yet, so I would go for walks or follow workout videos I found on YouTube. I completed various types of workout videos including HIIT, Zumba and yoga.

Exercise has been proven to relieve stress and improve moods. It is important to stay active, especially during a time like this when many of us are feeling worried or upset. I really enjoy yoga in particular because it helps me de-stress. When I feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty and bad news the coronavirus has brought upon us, I do yoga to help me relax. Yoga has been a great way for me to cope with the uncertainty and negativity regarding the coronavirus.

Picture credit: Wix.com

Thursday evening, I chose to attend a live virtual yoga class hosted by the ARC. As a result of the coronavirus, the ARC is not holding any in-person group fitness classes this semester. However, as an alternative to in-person group fitness classes, it is offering live virtual fitness classes through its Instagram page. The classes are held every weekday evening from 5p.m.-6p.m. and are run by different ARC crew members. Classes include HIIT, yoga and Pilates. These virtual group fitness classes are good for people who do not like wearing a mask while working out, are hesitant about going back to the gym amidst the pandemic, or just prefer to workout at home. They are a great way to get your body moving, especially if you are like me and sit and stare at a computer screen for most of the day.

I convert my living room into a makeshift yoga studio for the evening. All you need is a mat and some water to keep you hydrated. My mat is from Walmart and my water bottle is from TJMaxx.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6DDKi0NHLo

Yoga instructor, Ella, demonstrates one of the most common yoga poses, the upward-facing dog.

Follow @srucampusrec on Instagram to access the Fall 2020 group fitness schedule, live virtual fitness classes, updates and more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nElWWFlWF0I

I briefly discuss how I got into yoga, why I enjoy it and my thoughts on virtual at-home workouts.

It can be hard to stay motivated and keep a positive mindset in the midst of a pandemic, so it is important to find healthy ways to boost morale. Working out is one activity that has helped keep me sane while dealing with all the lifestyle changes that have come with the coronavirus.