Physical fitness crucial for physical, mental wellbeing

When the government imposed the first lockdown most of us were stuck at home as most offices and businesses were shut down and vehicular movement too was curtailed except for those delivering essential goods and services.

For the first few days most people were happy as they did not have to attend classes or work but as the lockdown kept getting extended the severity of the crisis started hitting them. Along with the anxiety of getting infected with the virus people started to fear for their jobs. And with social media too being flooded with news of rising cases and deaths, life took an unwanted turn. Many of us started getting affected both mentally and physically.

It is during such times that we grasp the importance of being physically and mentally fit which in normal times is locked away somewhere in the depths of our conscience. “Physical fitness is not just crucial for a healthy body but imperative for a healthy mind and emotional wellbeing,” says Prem Lama, a physical fitness instructor at Power House Gym in Chitwan.

Lama, who has won various competitions, mentions that people need to always take time out for some physical activity if they want to lead a healthy life. “Since most of us are stuck at home we are basically leading a sedentary lifestyle at the moment but there are ways in which we could take care of our body,” he adds.

Being at home should not be an excuse for sitting idle. “We can exercise anywhere and at any time and we also do not need the equipment that we see in fitness centres,” he says. “If we have the will then anything will suffice for a workout, be it bricks lying around or books or even a bicycle.”

“Most people also complain about the lack of time for exercises but there is never time for anything unless we really want to do it,” states Lama. So, the first thing we need to do is convince ourselves that we want to do it, he adds. 

According to Lama, being physically fit is all the more important now as we are living in uncertain times due to the coronavirus. “Working out not only helps us physically but it also brings about positivity in our mental health,” he says. The sense of achievement when we exercise and complete a set task helps improve our mood, says Lama, adding that it also helps us develop a focus on certain goals. “When we are occupied with completing a task it stops negative thoughts from seeping into our mind.”

He shares that scientifically speaking when we achieve a task the body releases a hormone called dopamine which is basically a happiness trigger. “That is why we are always elated when things go the way we want them to.”

Lama mentions that besides physical exercise we also need to be watchful of what we consume. “Exercising is only part to staying healthy. We also need to have a proper diet plan,” he says. “During such prohibitory orders when we have to stay at home then we spend a lot of time on our gadgets or watching TV and it is during such times the craving for junk food seems to increase,” he adds.

I would advise people to refrain from consuming oily food as much as possible and start trying out healthy food such as green vegetables and fruits because what we eat also tends to affect our minds, shares Lama. “Healthy food not only helps make our immune system stronger but also helps in our mental wellbeing.”

The other aspect which is crucial to both our mental and social health, says Lama is the amount of time we give our bodies to rejuvenate. “Our bodies are like machines that need ample time to rest,” he states, adding, “Exercising and eating healthy are important but we also need to rest both our mind and body.”

Getting seven to eight hours of sleep is necessary for the body to be fit, he says. “So, exercise and eat healthy food but also take time out to just sit down and relax.”