If you’re diagnosed with COVID-19, it’s essential that you do all you can to ensure a speedy recovery. Along with the pharmacological treatment options, such as supplemental oxygen, there are some natural ways you can try to expedite your recovery. So, in this post, we will explore 3 types of COVID-19 recovery exercises that you can do daily to improve your breathing, mobility, and psychological state.
1. Breathing Exercises for Lung Recovery
The COVID-19 virus attacks the respiratory system primarily, including the lungs, and you can even develop pneumonia as it damages structures within the lungs. Thankfully, there are several deep breathing COVID-19 recovery exercises that you can do to improve your condition.
§ Deep breathing on your belly- while lying on your chest, seal your lips, then rest your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Take a deep breath in through your nose, then release it slowly through your nose. Do this exercise continuously for a minute.
§ Deep breathing while sitting- on the edge of a chair, sit upright and rest your hands on the sides of your abdomen. Seal your lips, then rest your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Take a deep breath in through your nose, then release it slowly through your nose, spread your fingers on each inspiration. Do this exercise continuously for a minute.
2. Mobility Exercises for Legs & Arms
Physical exercise is vital for recovery, especially for people who were admitted, particularly in the ICU ward. You will need to do physical activities to improve your muscle strength, fitness, and energy. Speak to your healthcare provider to find out which of the following exercises you are permitted to do based on your condition.
§ Warm-up exercises- shoulder shrugs, side bends, knee lifts, and ankle circles.
§ Fitness & strengthening exercises- the CDC recommends engaging in 20-30 minutes of COVID-19 recovery exercises 5 days each week. Here are a few you can do :
§ Marching on the spot
§ Step-ups
§ Walking
§ Jogging or cycling
§ Wall push-off
§ Arm raises to the side
3. Mental Health Strengthening Exercises
COVID-19 has no doubt had a significant impact on the mental health of everyone, especially if you were infected. It induces stress, anxiety, depression, and even loneliness. Mindful techniques, such as meditation and yoga daily for 10 to 15 minutes, make a massive difference. Smooth exercises and meditation relax the body and mind. The CDC also encourages us to stay socially connected, practice relaxing exercises, and indulge in hobbies.
COVID-19 and its variants can do great damage the longer it lingers within your body. So, we urge you to seriously consider adopting these supplemental COVID-19 recovery exercises to help boost your respiratory, musculoskeletal, and mental health recovery.
In mental health, the importance of socializing, having good friends and family, where you can receive unconditional love, has been studied. Love and friendship are therapies for physical recovery from many diseases, including cancer.
Being part of communities like churches, or clubs, makes a big difference in lengthening people's lives, under any circumstance.
Having faith and prayerful support are other aids that have also been investigated, and it has been shown that a person who possesses these elements brings greater happiness and greater strength in the midst of difficulties.
References
Coronavirus Recovery: Breathing Exercises. (2021). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-recovery-breathing-exercises
Support for Rehabilitation Self-Management after COVID-19- Related Illness. (n.d.). Retrieved August 30, 2021, from https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/ageing/support-for-rehabilitation-self-management-after-covid-19-related-illness-engf5cec00b-350b-4eb0-bc24-0704df509ae1.pdf?sfvrsn=203566f0_1&download=true
Power-of-Prayer
https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/31/health/longawaited-medical-study-questions-the-power-of-prayer.html