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Should You Wear A Mask While Exercising Outdoors?

Exercising OutdoorsThe pandemic is far from over but it hasn’t stopped people from stepping out to get in a quick run or an outdoor exercise. If you’ve been vaccinated, chances of contracting the illness is slim but not negligible. So, the question remains, if you’re heading out, should you wear a mask while exercising outdoors? 

Should You Wear A Mask While Exercising Outdoors? 

Wearing a face mask while exercising outdoors helps prevent the spread of the virus, but it can also lead to breathing difficulties. When you are running, jogging, doing any activity which increases your respiratory rate, the oxygen requirement goes up several times and you need to inhale that much more air to deliver the required oxygen to the body. 

A mask can restrict airflow in and out of the mouth and nose, creating a situation where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange are compromised. There’s a possibility that you may not be able to fulfil the increased oxygen requirement when exercising with a mask on. There are chances of inhaling the exhaled carbon dioxide. This can create health complications, especially in people with weaker lungs, chronic bronchitis, asthma and other health complications.

Symptoms You Might Experience While Wearing a Mask and Exercising Include: 

  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Breathlessness
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of consciousness

Precautions To Be Taken While Exercising Outdoors 

Though it is important to wear a face mask in an enclosed space where social distancing may not be possible – like when going out for work, when using public transport or at grocery stores, restaurants, malls, etc. but when it comes to exercising with a mask on, be cautious. 

  • Listen to your body: You may feel fatigue faster due to a mask, so do not push your exercise limits.
  • Don’t ignore any of the symptoms mentioned above or any other difficulties and put a  break on your exercise immediately.
  • Wearing a face mask or not is a matter of social distancing. For someone walking/running and alone outside where social distancing is maintained, a mask isn’t required.
  • Try exercises where you use the same spot. For instance, stationary cardio workout – you can pick a location where there aren’t any people around. 
  • Keep your distance and be mindful of others. Keep as much space between yourself and others as possible or bring a mask with you and put it on when needed. You can also put a face covering down around the neck and pull it up over your face if you encounter someone.
  • Opt for a breathable, well-fitting face mask. Too tight can make you feel uneasy. 
  • Masks become wet when you wear them and can lead to skin infections. If you’re using a reusable mask, wash it regularly to prevent the build-up of bacteria.

Ideally, it would be best to not rush out. Prefer indoor workouts. You can learn a few of them from Healthy Reads or join our fitness experts LIVE on GOQii Play every day! More so, you can get some good exercise routines directly from your GOQii Coach via personalized coaching. You can subscribe here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/wssu

We hope this article helps you. Do share your thoughts in the comments below! 

Stay home, stay safe, get active and #BeTheForce  

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Critical Signs & Symptoms of Low Blood Oxygen Levels

low blood oxygen levelsBlood Oxygen levels, also known as oxygen saturation or SpO2, is the amount of oxygenated haemoglobin circulating in the blood i.e it indicates how well the body carries oxygen to all parts of the body. Most of the oxygen in the body is carried by the red blood cells, which collect oxygen from the lungs and deliver it to different parts of the body. Oxygen levels above 95-100 are considered normal and a value between 91-94 requires regular monitoring (prone breathing helps improve levels in this situation), values below 91 indicates hypoxemia, low blood oxygen levels. 

The second wave of COVID-19 is affecting the youth more than the elderly. Reports suggest that the younger generation is taking time to realize the infection in their bodies which is spreading the virus more rapidly. In spite of low blood oxygen levels, a person shows no signs – a condition known as happy hypoxia (low levels of oxygen at tissue levels). 

The most efficient way to measure blood oxygen level is through an ABG test, which requires a blood sample of a person and is done in a laboratory. So, an alternative test can be done using a small device known as a pulse oximeter – a small device which is clipped on a person’s finger. It measures the blood oxygen by light absorption through a person’s pulse. This is not very accurate compared to the ABG test as it depends on many factors like dirty fingers, nail polish and poor circulation to the extremities. 

Symptoms of Low Oxygen Levels 

  • Shortness of breath or breathlessness is an uncomfortable condition which makes it difficult to get air fully into the lungs
  • Throbbing headache: lack of oxygen in the brain causes sudden and rapid increase in blood pressure in the brain, leading to throbbing headache
  • Restlessness is a feeling to constantly move, not being able to calm the mind or a combination of both.
  • Dizziness and confusion is a feeling of lightheadedness or a feeling of fainting while confusion is a situation when a person is not able to think straight. Dizziness is a temporary feeling which might come and go while confusion affects a person’s thinking capacity. Extremely low levels of oxygen can also lead to loss of consciousness or inability to stay awake or even get up.
  • Rapid breathing: Low oxygen levels in the blood causes shortness of breath and a hunger for air. Because of incomplete exhalation, carbon-di-oxide concentration increases in the body causing rapid breathing
  • Chest pain: Not getting enough oxygen into the lungs creates an urge to breathe deep and this repeated action causes pain and discomfort in the chest.
  • High blood pressure: Low levels of oxygen in the blood narrows down the pulmonary arteries which squeezes the blood into a narrow space, leading to increased blood pressure. 
  • Changes in colour of skin, lips or the extremities to blue or cherry red or shades varying between the two known as cyanosis usually happens when oxygen levels are extremely low and the person feels too cold to touch. 
  • Lack of coordination also called coordination impairment happens when there is disruption in communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Walking does not require much effort on a regular basis but when a person has low oxygen levels, they might wobble or have difficulty in lifting their legs. This usually happens when there is less oxygen supply to the brain.
  • Visual disorders: Lack of oxygen supply to the eyes causes blurred vision, burning, excessive tearing and scratching. Excessive tear production is due to inflammation of the glands in the eyes or blockage of tear ducts. There could also be redness of the eyes due to inflammation of the conjunctiva. 
  • Sense of euphoria is a feeling of excitement and happiness. Some people show symptoms of a high, which you usually have when taking drugs or side effects of any medicine. This is due to the lack of oxygen which creates confusion and people fail to realize their oxygen levels are low.
  • Rapid heartbeat: The heart sends electrical signals which make it beat and pump blood. This signal begins in the upper right chamber of the heart called the Sino Atrial Node, also the pacemaker which controls heartbeat. These electrical signals are controlled by the Autonomic Nervous System and low oxygen levels make the ANS transmit these signals at a faster rate and increase the demand for more oxygen causing rapid heart rate

The above-mentioned symptoms and the complications can easily be prevented when a person is alert and knows the symptom and measures their blood oxygen levels or SpO2 on a regular basis. SpO2, along with other symptoms of COVID-19 such as high body temperature can be easily monitored through the GOQii Smart Vital. As the new wave of COVID is said to affect children, you might also consider getting the GOQii Smart Vital Junior for your kids and imbibe healthy habits in them from a young age! 

We hope this article helps. For more on COVID-19, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to LIVE sessions by experts on GOQii Play. To get these tips and support directly from your GOQii Coach, subscribe to personalized coaching now: https://goqiiapp.page.link/wssu 

Stay home, stay safe and #BeTheForce 

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Fun Ways To Stay Fit At Home

stay fit at homeWhile we’re again in a lockdown due to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, what most of us are overlooking is the impact of this period on our health. “Sitting is the new smoking” and quite rightly so! Watch your favorite shows, movie marathons, staying glued to the cellphone can all keep you occupied but can also make you mentally and physically unfit! So here are some simple and fun ways to stay fit at home! You can try these fun workouts with your entire family, including your kids! 

6 Fun Ways to Stay Fit at Home

1. Plyometrics at Home
Yes! You read it right; Plyometric Exercise can be fun with all the family members. You can place 6 water bottles in a straight line with a gap of 2 feet between them. Ask all the members to form a line begin the workouts:

  • Do the snake walk without touching the bottles
  • Jump over the bottles
  • Jumping over the bottles again but this time turn to your right and jump and then turn to your left and jump.
  • Jump over the bottles and clap your hands in the air above your shoulders.
  • Come in the plank position such that you are in between two bottles and your body is completely on your toes and palms. Reach till the last bottle.

2. Partner Workouts

  • Both the partners are facing back (touching each other’s back); one partner has a bottle of water and will pass it to the other partner by just turning his waist. At the end of 60 seconds the one who has a bottle of water in their hands is the winner.
  • Both the partners are facing back but this time feet are shoulder distance apart and the box of popcorns will pass by bending the back and the receiving partner too has to bend down to take it.
  • Lie down on the floor such that both the partners are touching each other’s feet sole. Now do cycling 20 times clockwise and anti-clockwise.

3. Hula Hoop
This is favourite among children. Besides just twisting and rotating your waist, you can also do variations like a cross over the loops without touching any body part.

4. Skipping
Skipping is a great way to keep kids and grown-ups happy and engaged. You can do partner skipping, cross skipping and reverse skipping.

5. Dancing
Dancing is also a great form of workout. We live in a land of vast dance forms, so choose your pick from Bangra to Garba to Bollywood! You can have a small dance competition amongst the family members. Encourage the use of props like sticks or chairs which will need more effort.

6. Spell your name
Just spell your name and do these workouts. You can also spell days of the week.

Image courtesy @ Brightside

Hope you enjoy these fun ways to stay fit at home with your family during quarantine. Let us know your experience or your mantra to staying fit indoors, in the comments below. For more exciting and fun home workouts, tune in to GOQii Play. For more on fitness, check out Healthy Reads.

To get these tips and tricks directly from your GOQii Coach, subscribe to personalized coaching now: https://goqiiapp.page.link/wssu 

Stay indoors, stay safe and #BeTheForce  

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Mental Health Tips To Cope With COVID Anxiety

cope with covid anxiety

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on our lives. It’s normal to feel anxious and worried during a national crisis as we don’t know how long it will last and how it will impact our lives. This feeling can be quite stressful and overwhelming. One major reason could be social distancing, although necessary, it can make us feel isolated, lonely and may increase stress. To add to it, the COVID anxiety, wherein we’re in constant fear of contracting the virus. These factors can take a huge toll on our mental health. 

This stress can affect our health in different ways: 

  • Disturbed sleep
  • Eating a lot or eating very less
  • Excess use of tobacco or pan masala
  • Drinking alcohol more than usual to avoid stress and boredom
  • Feeling loneliness and helpless

Tips To Cope With COVID Anxiety 

While there might not be a lot you can do to control the situation, here are a few things you can do to preserve your mental health and cope with COVID anxiety. 

  1. Try to control the things which are in your hand, rather than focusing on the things which you can’t control – Do not think about the shortage of oxygen cylinders or medication. Think how you can make yourself more healthy so you don’t need an oxygen cylinder and medication to recover. Eat healthy, exercise regularly and work on improving your sleep.
  2. Structure your day and make time for yourself. It’s important to make time for activities you enjoy. Do what you like most like painting, cooking, playing games or an instrument, and so on.
  3. Make a list of your worries, write it down on a paper and try to write down possible solutions for each worry. It can facilitate problem solving and reduce anxiety.
  4. Limit checking updates on COVID-19 in news and social media as the more your mind focuses on worst case scenarios, the more anxious you will feel.
  5. Try to connect through a video call with your friends and family members who you have not visited for a long time. It will work as a tonic for your mental health.
  6. Practice Mindfulness, which in essence, translates to living in the present moment with acceptance and without judgment
  7. Try breathing in lavender or scented candles. The smell of lavender, sandalwood, orange, jasmine and rose have calming properties and it stimulates the part of the brain which controls our mood.

If COVID anxiety is getting the better of you, seek out professional help. You don’t have to do this alone. If you are experiencing an escalation of anxiety, ask knowledgeable people who can assist you through this difficult time. Most importantly, don’t lose hope. Things always get better with time! 

We hope this article helps you. Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below. For more on managing COVID-19, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to LIVE sessions by experts on GOQii Play. To get these tips and support directly from your GOQii Coach, subscribe to personalized coaching now: https://goqiiapp.page.link/wssu 

Stay home, stay safe and #BeTheForce 

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