F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- During this time of craziness, it's easy to get down in the dumps. You're cooped up at home and you're not able to get out to do the things you normally would.
In my case, I would be going to the gym and riding motorcycles with my friends, but I can't right now (dang you COVID). However, that doesn't mean you can't make gains from home.
The Air Force talks about Comprehensive Airman Fitness and its four pillars:
Physical -- Physical fitness refers to the ability to physically accomplish all aspects of the mission while remaining healthy and uninjured.
Spiritual -- Spiritual fitness refers to the ability to adhere to beliefs, principles or values needed to persevere and prevail in accomplishing missions.
Mental -- Psychological fitness refers to the ability to effectively cope with the unique mental stressors and challenges needed to ensure mission readiness.
Social -- Social fitness refers to the ability to engage in healthy social networks that promote overall well-being and optimal performance.
The first time I read these pillars, I thought most of them requires going outside and being around people. Unfortunately, I can't do that right now with coronavirus forcing us all indoors.
Knowing I can't get out too much, I had to find a way to do these things from home. The easiest two to work on from home are spirituality and physicality.
While I know it seems hard to work out at home without weights and a treadmill, it's not that difficult. I'm sure many of us neglect the simple body weight exercises like push ups and sit ups, but this is a great time to get caught back up with them. As for running, you can still get out and run around your neighborhood as long as you maintain your social distancing.
When it comes to spiritual wellness, it is often assumed that only means religion; however, the origin of the word "religion" means to reconnect. My reconnection is found through church and right now, many are doing online services. For those who do not find their reconnection through church, there are currently many options available. Consider in-home martial arts, yoga or be an online buddy to someone feeling lonely during isolation. Whatever the activity, the goal is to bring balance to your life while things are upside down.
Mental and social fitness are likely the two most difficult pillars to keep strong during the reign of COVID-19, but it's certainly doable.
In general, I don't really socialize with people unless it involves things that go vroom, like motorcycles and cars. Since all of the car and motorcycle meets have been canceled, I haven't really socialized with anyone.
In lieu of that, I've decided to take this time to install some parts that have been gathering dust on my motorcycle. Now I'm not the best mechanic in the world; however, my Dad is far more qualified, so I've been enlisting his help whenever I need it, whether he wants to give it or not. This interaction helps satisfy my need to socialize and its also helping me to take my mind of all of the crazy COVID stuff.
Overall this time of teleworking is great for decompressing, catching up on sleep and TV, but it is also important to strive to make gains while powering down.