BOUNDRIES
Set up a dedicated workstation and refrain from working in bed or on the couch. This allows you to set up boundaries and switch off in your well-deserved down time, helping prevent work and down time from blending together.
PLAN
Planning Prevents Poor Posture. Dedicate 2-3 minutes every few hours to stretch. This will help alleviate poor posture, improve range of motion, prevent potential injuries and allow you to be more productive.
EAT
Sounds simple but it is so easy to get carried away with work that we forget to eat. I'm sure we've all done it, I know I have! Just like stretching, it's important to plan and allocate meal breaks in your busy schedule. This will assist in calorie burn through thermogenesis, while helping you prevent overeating when you become hungry later at night. In additional, a high protein diet is the best way to reduce any of those sugar cravings during the afternoon or after dinner! Remember, your kitchen can either be your best friend your worst enemy during lockdown. You can either stock up in healthy, wholesome food full of vitamins and minerals that offer long-lasting energy and a strong immune system. Or you can stock up in sugary high-carb, high-fat foods that may give you short term satisfaction, along with "COVID kilos". The choice is yours. Choose wisely!
MOVE
Looking to improve body composition? Well, the number one rule is to expend more energy then you consume! Dedicate time in your day to exercise and go for a walk/jog/cycle to get some fresh air and vitamin D. Or ask your trainer for a quick 20-30min home workout. Exercise will release endorphins, "feel good" hormones that will allow you to be more productive with work. You'll also get a little dopamine hit that will improve your motivation, mood, decision-making!
DOWN-TIME
You've been working hard so reward yourself with some down-time. This means NO screen-time. Yes, put your phone down. If you must use your phone, use it for meditation, music, audiobook, or a podcast (not work related), but take your eyes of the screen. Spend time with your partner, kids or roommate having a good old yarn. Read a book, clean the house, do the garden, whatever tickles your fancy. Research has shown stepping away from the screen (computer, tablet, phone, tv), reduces stress and anxiety, helps you be more present, improves your sleep, and allows you to wake up more revitalised and focused. I hope these 5 tips help you during lockdown and beyond! At Hunter Street, we approach training as a long-term lifestyle change, not a high-intensity fad with short term impacts. We focus on mindset, knowledge, nutrition, fitness, or as we call it – “Our 4 E's”: Emotions, Education, Eating & Exercise!
