STAY HEALTHY, KEEP ACTIVE

As we all encounter something that we have never had to before, transitioning to new conditions for safety can be challenging. Missing out on doing the things we used to be comfortable with and that were part of our normal routine can annoy and frustrate the best of us. How we gradually accept and adapt to the current situation is the true measure of how resilient and flexible we are as learning human beings. I hope that it is a temporary change but some positives can come out of the change as we can treat the situation as glass half full.

There is a reason that exercise within quarantine or within living restrictions is present. Naturally, we all could fall into the trap of our regular diet where we were expending energy on a normal basis. Energy that we take in through our food and drink needs to work with our energy output. The importance of feeling some freedom particularly in regards to movement is paramount.

All year levels have physical activity suggestions for students via their edstudio platforms. Students can follow video tutorials, as well as attempt and practice in as little space as 2m squared. Branching out to other activities may require working with parents and siblings in yards or on walks/runs/rides to local parks using the grass space. Personally, I have witnessed whilst running for fitness a father riding behind his 10 year old soon teaching him path/road etiquette on a bike (staying to the left), whilst blaring positive music from a speaker and working together to overcome hill climbs (which gears to change to). I have seen several families on walks and rides together where I had seldom seen them before this crisis.

If the only thing we take out of this occurrence is the treasure of time spent with your child and sharing in life lessons that parents provide that may have been overlooked due to time constraints or for whatever reason, than that in itself is a huge accomplishment.

Please be advised that all physical activity materials are OPTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS so if you are feeling overwhelmed remember they are there for you to try, not as a must be completed. Better to have more available than not enough to stimulate our minds and bodies during this tough time.

Remember when we return from this process, physical activity will be required, so do not write it off and lay dormant during this time. Make sure to try to ‘find your 30’ daily to remain physically sound.

Here are some helpful websites to assist during this time:

https://www.sportaus.gov.au/findyour30

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/30-ways-to-get-active-exercise-fun