The Front Desk

This year has been a tough one and it’s only halfway over. We have had to change our routines and our priorities, which means some things have inevitably slipped through the cracks. For many of us, one of those things is self-care—a relic of a simpler time.That’s why at Zeamo we’re making a conscious effort to #TakeCare during the month of August. We can’t care for others until we take care of ourselves, so let’s start there.

While breathing has certainly been discussed more seriously since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in full force, many of us still move through our days without a thought about the some 25,000 breaths we’re taking. But maybe we should be paying closer attention. Studies show that the way we breathe can affect everything from our weight, to our mood, to our athletic performance, and so much in between.

A plant-based diet is associated with longer life expectancy, it’s good for the environment, and it’s good for you. Basically, a plant-based diet is the cure-all fad diet that’s not a fad at all. And, unlike a fad diet, you don’t have to completely annihilate your current eating habits. Instead, try making these small changes to your routine and grocery list.

Joan MacDonald, or @trainwithjoan on Instagram, is a 73-year-old fitness influencer who is living proof that it’s never too late to start your fitness journey. MacDonald started weight training and counting macros in January 2017.

Unfortunately, many of us are familiar with the perils of lower back pain. Research suggests that at least 80% of working-age people will encounter non specific lower back pain at least once in their lives. Individuals with a sedentary lifestyle are especially at risk, as continuous pressure on the area and weakened lumbar muscles take their toll.

‍Summer is officially here, and in many places, so is the summertime heat. We can be honest: wearing a mask in public spaces was already a mild annoyance, and the summer heat only makes it more burdensome—but we can’t stop now. The Center for Disease Control still recommends wearing a mask to avoid spreading COVID-19 through the air, and during exercise we release even more respiratory droplets than we normally would. This means that we should be wearing a mask in the parks, paths, sidewalks, and especially if we’re back at a shared indoor gym.

Feeling stuck in a 2020 rut? Maybe it’s time to trick your brain into getting back on track. This week we’re discussing how to plan for the future, despite an uncertain present.

One in 10 Americans struggle with disordered eating, and the erratic nature of the last several months has created new obstacles when it comes to maintaining a healthy routine. The New York Times reported that the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) received a whopping 78% more messages sent to their help line this March and April compared to last year. From more time spent at home next to a fully stocked fridge, to coping with stress by overeating, to persistent worry about gaining weight—the increased anxiety around food is not necessarily surprising.

Members of the Zeamo community, ‍ As we struggle to process what is happening in our communities at this time, we find ourselves filled with sorrow, grief, and outrage. The senseless and avoidable deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and countless others have left us feeling wary of what the future holds, especially at a time when so much else is uncertain. While the focus of our blog is usually health, fitness, and wellness—the grief that we feel is simply unavoidable. With this in mind, the mental health of our community members is a serious priority.

“Self-care” is not just bubble baths and face masks, it’s about how we treat our bodies every day. We’re discussing the seven pillars of daily self-care, and the positive influence that rethinking self-care could have on men’s health globally.