Watts Healthare COVID RX: Exercise, mindfulness and relaxation

Dr. Oliver Brooks, chief medical officer of Watts Healthcare, recommends a diet of exercise, mindfulness and a bit of fun during the current stay-at-home orders

These are challenging times. We’re wondering when we will go back to school or work, see our friends and be able to get together.

Dr. Oliver Brooks, chief medical officer of Watts Healthcare Corporation, notes that regular physical activity can increase self-esteem and reduce stress, depression and anxiety. People who participate in daily physical activity have an approximate 20 to 30 percent lower risk for depression.

A good fitness goal is low-intensity aerobic exercise for 30-35 minutes, 3 to 5 days per week. If you’re feeling more energetic, you can take this fitness challenge and see how many rounds of these four exercises you can complete in 10 minutes (25 repetitions each): Squats, jumping jacks, high knees and push-ups (if you’re not in shape, take it slow).

Relax…

Brooks recommended controlled breathing exercises, mindfulness, relaxing body exercises and the practice of opposite action to counteract stress.

Watts Healthcare suggested a weekly self-care schedule, including fun activities such as:

• Communicating with friends/family on video

• Taking a walk/run

• Journaling

• Stretching

• Painting and drawing

• Picking up an old hobby or creating a new one

• Organizing your room or house

• Engaging in deep breathing activities

• Eat something healthy and delicious

• Drinking something healthy and delicious

• Making a new recipe

• Trying a new hair style

As Buddha said, “To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”