By Ashley Strehl, Editor in Chief
While some may feel like they don’t have a choice, quarantine is not a time one should not be active. The effects of isolation can be physically and emotionally draining and now is a good time as any to get up and move.
According to helpguide.org, regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD and more. Exercising can also relieve stress, improve memory, sleep better and boost the overall mood.
During this pandemic, many people can find themselves in a time of stress. Some students find stress in doing classes online. Some people can’t work from home and are therefore unemployed, because his or her workplace is shut down. Helpguide.org also mentions exercising releases endorphins in the brain and physical activity helps to relax the muscles and relieve tension in the body. Though this may not be a solution to stress, exercise can certainly help.
Since last September Lindsey Cherry, English and Wellness Center Yoga instructor has implemented a virtual yoga experience through the use of Facebook live streaming. In a Facebook post on her page, Power Flow Yoga, Cherry said in these times it is important to practice yoga and other stress-relieving exercises. Cherry has done a few live streams from the Power Flow Yoga Facebook page, but is working on doing them on zoom in the future. Those interested in participating should visit the page on Facebook.
The J.R Holder Wellness Center is also looking for new ways to virtually keep the community active during these times, as the gym itself has been closed since March 17. According to the Facebook page, April 4 the wellness center invited everyone interested to participate in a virtual 5K run. Through this, the wellness center encourged participants to post a selfie and a photo of the pedometer using the hashtag, “WellyCovid5K.” To stay connected to the NWOSU Wellness Center, those interested should visit the Facebook page.
For more information on the benefit of exercising in mental health, visit helpguide.org.