Emily JubbWhile staying at home is undeniably limiting for many of us, it shouldn’t be an excuse for not caring about your wellbeing. Sure, sitting on the couch and binge-watching Netflix can be enjoyable at the moment, but it’s not doing you any favours. In other words (and not to call anyone out here), but no more skipping leg day or helping yourself to snacks and movies throughout the night.
If you’ve been feeling kinda in a funk lately and think you’ve lost your mojo, don’t worry. The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do if you want to boost your physical and mental wellbeing during the pandemic, no matter how cruddy you feel. Buckle up, pour yourself some whiskey, and let’s start focusing on how to make you into the best person you can be.
Enjoy a Drop Before Bed
You’re probably wondering why we asked you to get some whiskey. Well, the fact is, whiskey can be good for you — but only in small quantities. You see, apart from making you feel nice and relaxed at night, it can also help reduce the risk of heart disease. Indeed, that nightcap may actually be good for you.
According to the research, whiskey has high quantities of polyphenols, which are a form of antioxidants. Polyphenols help reduce bad cholesterol and boost amounts of good cholesterol, thereby reducing the clogging of your arteries (you know, the kind you may get after that night-out at Red Lobster). So, before you turn out the light, look to your lonesome bottle of whiskey and treat yourself to a finger or two.
Feel It Out in the Shower
As much as we want to insert a little bit of levity here, the fact is, testicular cancer is no joke. You do not want to end up like Lance Armstrong, friends. Sadly, testicular cancer oftentimes comes unannounced, but there are ways by which you can catch the signs early and prevent yourself from getting it.
Next time you are in the shower, put your hand down there. No, we’re not asking you to rub one out, but rather, telling you to look out for some lumps. When you are under hot water, the skin folds of your testicles loosen up, thereby allowing you to really get in there and investigate. If you don’t find anything lump-like, you and the twins are probably safe.
That said, if you do happen to find something on the boys, the best course of action is to contact your doctor and schedule an appointment with them. Chances are it’ll be benign, but it’s always best to be safe.
Use Your Phone to Connect
Now is not the time for bar-hopping, man. C’mon, there’s a virus out there. Luckily, in our modern world, your phone is all you need to meet the ladies. Just download your favourite dating app (there’s plenty available for you to choose from), upload a bio and your best pictures, and you’re off to the races! Then, if you match with a lady, you’ll have the perfect segue into some one-on-one time.
Yeah, let’s face it, sending naughty texts isn’t the real deal, but it can get really close. So, put on some music, get comfy on the bed, put on some Barry Manilow, and try to chill. And if your girl is into some roleplaying, rest assured, you definitely won’t get bored with your socially distanced relationship any time soon.
Try Some Yoga to Unwind
Yoga comes from the land of India. Is it any coincidence that the folks who wrote the book on lovemaking also invented one of the most effective forms of exercise ever? They must be proud of themselves, certainly, and we don’t blame them.
Yoga is all about harmony with the environment, a harmony that is achieved through certain postures which expedite circulation and airflow, among other things. An easy exercise to start with every morning is the Sun Salutation. Just put up a tutorial on YouTube and greet the sun as it rises through a series of changing postures. You will be a new man every day.
Be Proactive About Your Health
Slip inside the eye of your mind. Go back to that one-night stand after you met that girl outside the Phish concert. Using a condom did cross your mind, but you wanted to “feel it.” So you didn’t. Well, now you may have an STD (sexually transmitted disease). Certain STDs lie dormant for months or years till the first symptoms appear. It is always advisable to be ahead of the curve in this case.
These days, an at home STD test can be just the ticket to put your mind at ease. They’re discreet, but they can give you the answers you want (or, to be honest, don’t want). Yes, STDs can be really painful, but so is not knowing. It’s better to stay informed and be proactive about your health so in case you do have something, you can get it treated ASAP.
Get Yourself a Pet
But to quote Bob Barker: don’t shop, adopt. Make the life of a furry friend better (and watch how they make yours), as well, as they cover you in love, fur, and drool while also enriching your life. As you fall in love with your new four-legged friend, it’ll be impossible not to feel happy. Plus, they’ll be right there with you in the toughest days of the pandemic. Oh, and girls dig guys with a pet, so it’s a win-win.
Better Days are Coming
Lockdown hasn’t been easy, but only you can determine whether you want to make it better or worse. While the world goes back to normal, remember to give yourself a little bit of love, and be sure to stay positive and healthy. Just go at your pace, try to find what works best for you, and soon your outlook on the pandemic won’t be as daunting. And, when it’s finally over, you’ll emerge a much better man for it.