After months of home-based workouts, exercising via YouTube videos and countless walks around our local areas, the time has come for gyms to reopen after lockdown in the UK.
Whether you were a keen gym-goer before COVID-19 struck, you are ready to try a new work-out regime or get back into some training, it feels good to gain another chunk of normality back.
As many people are aware, keeping to a routine can have a significant impact on our mental well-being. The sense of structure helps us feel in control, gives us purpose and aids productivity.
Following this global pandemic, it’s more important and appealing than ever to get back into a normal pattern of behaviour during such an uncertain time.
Many of us incorporate going to the gym as part of our daily routine. Whether we feel motivated beforehand or not, the consensus is that you feel better afterwards.
As a healthy way to manage anxiety, it’s crucial to take time out each day and focus on you. This, and exercise in general, can help stress levels and boost those all-important mood-lifting endorphins.
Nevertheless, there is no doubt that the thought of heading to the gym will be feeling a little different than before COVID, particularly the night before when our heads tend to spin like a washing machine full of thoughts and worries.
Nervousness around social distancing and hygiene standards may be wreaking havoc with your ability to switch off.
Questioning the effect lockdown may have had on your fitness or training plan might have you wondering how hard this impending gym session is going to be.
Such thoughts serve to thwart your chances of getting all the rest your body and mind need before facing the day.
While we may not be able to extinguish the very real and justified worries around returning to the gym, we can take back control of how we let these impact our sleep, and consequently, our routine.
Rescue Remedy®’s Top Tips:
- Be realistic about your goals and kind to yourself – acknowledge that you’ve had a lengthy break and unless you’ve managed to keep up with your workouts to a similar standard to pre-COVID, it’s likely you will need a few sessions to get back into the swing of things.
- Set up a new playlist for the gym – collect all the upbeat, motivational songs you can find that make you feel happy and powerful. Music is an incredible tool for the mind.
- Pack your gym kit the night before – lessen the to-do list and allow yourself to concentrate on what a brilliant gym session you’re about to have! Don’t forget to pack your bottle of Rescue® Remedy so it’s on hand, and find that little moment of calm.
- Focus on what you can control by considering which equipment you will use and how long you will spend there. Be mindful that these things are flexible, but picturing yourself in the gym and enjoying your workout might help reduce any worries.
- Put together a soothing bedtime routine to help you unwind at the end of the day – this could include reading a book, soaking in a warm bath and taking some Rescue® Night. Whatever you choose, slowly preparing your body and mind for bed can help you sleep better.
Don’t let nerves or a bad night’s sleep tamper with your routine. Look forward to getting back in the gym and regaining that sense of accomplishment and some predictability in a time of uncertainty.
RESCUE® is available from Boots, Holland & Barrett, Superdrug, independent pharmacies and health food stores, grocery stores nationwide and online at www.amazon.co.uk. Products in the RESCUE® range are:
Visit www.rescueremedy.com/en for more information.
