Exercising and Eating Right When You’re Unwell
JustFitJamie Style 💪✨
When applied with proper rest and recovery, regular exercise does wonders for your health! From boosting your immune system to easing chronic pain, staying active has countless benefits for both physical and mental health. It’s even a great tool for managing anxiety, stress, and depression. 🙌
But what happens when you’re not feeling 100%? Should you push through or rest up? And how do you adjust your nutrition during this time? Here’s a breakdown of my approach to keeping it balanced and effective:
💡 Tip 1: Don’t get frustrated
Life happens—whether it’s a cold, an injury, or something else, rest is part of the process. Don’t stress over missed sessions; focus on recovering right. When you return to the gym:
🧘♀️ Warm up thoroughly
🏋️♀️ Lower the intensity
😴 Take longer rests
💦 Stay hydrated
🥰 Be kind to yourself
💡 Tip 2: Listen to your healthcare team
If your doctor says rest, please listen! Ask about alternative exercises if you feel able, but prioritize healing over pushing through. Remember: health is wealth!
💡 Tip 3: Follow the “above the neck” rule
If symptoms are mild and above the neck (like a stuffy nose or sore throat), light exercise might be okay. Stick to restorative workouts, like walking or yoga, and dial back the intensity. But always check with your doctor first!
💡 Tip 4: Symptoms to rest completely
⚠️ Do NOT exercise if you have:
Fever 🤒
Persistent cough 🤧
Vomiting or diarrhea 🤢
The flu or any injury causing pain during movement.
Listen to your body—it’s better to rest than risk setbacks.
💡 Tip 5: Prioritize your nutrition
You might not have full control over your workouts, but you CAN control what you eat!
🍳 Keep your calories steady—your body needs fuel to recover.
🥗 Focus on hitting your protein goal for muscle repair and recovery.
🍫 Treat yourself to boost your mood but aim for nutritious choices too!
Final Thought
Recovery is progress, too. Taking the time to rest, refocus, and realign your goals will have you returning stronger and more motivated than ever. 💪
