COVID-induced fatigue? Here’s how to rebuild strength post-recovery

COVID-19 can drain your body of all the energy and cause muscular and mental fatigue. According to WHO, most people who get COVID-19 have mild or moderate symptoms and can recover thanks to supportive care. However, complete recovery doesn’t mean the absence of disease, it is the state where one’s body comes back to normal, pre-COVID functioning. 

Also read: Better-fitting face masks improve COVID protection: Study

Here are some ways to build your strength after COVID-19 recovery:

1) Add Proteins and Vitamins to your diet

Coronavirus results in a loss of appetite. The body loses many vital nutrients. Hence, when you have tested negative for COVID-19 and are on the path to recovery, add protein and different vitamins to your diet. While vitamins and minerals strengthen your immune system, proteins help to stabilise muscle fatigue. You are likely to feel rejuvenated once the nutrients start nourishing your body. 

Also read: Intense exercise may increase risk of motor neuron disease, study shows

In addition to vitamins and proteins, add zinc and calcium to your diet. 

2) Physical activities

Physical activity is not necessarily exercise. Your body is exhausted and fatigued due to prolonged inactivity. Plan certain less intense activities in a day and perform easy tasks like walking a certain distance, going to the park etc. These physical activities will cause changes in your metabolism and internal organ function. The oxygen and blood circulation in your body will improve. 

3) Excercise

Once you have restored some energy, simple exercises can speed up your recovery. Resistance-based exercises can help you build back some core strength. Exercising is likely to result in improved fitness, reduced breathlessness and improved balance and coordination. Make sure you wear loose clothes, warm up and cool down. Straining your body is not a good idea.

Also Read: Here’s a 10-minute morning workout routine to start your day

4) Yoga

“Yoga sey hoga.”  Practice Pranayama and various breathing exercises to improve the oxygen flow in your body. Mindful meditation is one more way to keep yourself calm and your body relaxed. Yoga poses like the butterfly, pigeon and the cow can help your muscles regain some strength. 

You can also join a virtual yoga class and let a regular practitioner guide you. 

5) Rest

Only a well-rested body can focus on healing. Get at least 6 to 8 hours of continuous sleep. Excessive work and stress can cause fatigue.