Thread by @drnuruly

COVID-19 & EXERCISE : HOW I STARTED TO BECOME A RUNNING DOCTOR
It was a few weeks after joining my new hospital that I started to notice that I'm gaining weight due to my sedentary lifestyle. My new hospital is not as hectic as my previous hospital #pilihsihat @MedTweetMYHQ

After reading on few articles mentioning about benefit of exercise, especially in boosting your immunity, with this Covid-19 on board, I decided that it's time for me to start exercising. Exercise will also improve your mood, creativity and your overall well-being

So, that was when I strongly decided to start running. A running doctor. Kinda cool, right 😎

So, this is how I do it :

1. Set a clear goal. Where there's a will, there's a way. Let say, for me, my goal is to run at least 3km daily within minimum of 20-30minutes

2. Prepare your running attire the night before. For me it will consists of sport shoes, a tracksuit and a t-shirt. I'll also prepare my office attire as well on that night

3. Install running app. I used STRAVA app. To keep track on my distance and daily achievement. This app will definately motivate you, as it will show how you have progressed from day to day basis

4. Look for running buddies/friends via the app. This will further motivate you to stay consistent with your running/jogging/any exercise

5. Find a suitable running area/track. I prefer the one with greeneries and lots of trees. Some prefer gymnasium. So know & follow your preferences. For me, I'm lucky as I have a running track in front of my hospital, surrounded by lots of trees, grass and flowers.

6. Prepare a realistic schedule that can fit your daily routine & work schedule

7. For me, I'll usually send my kids to school at 7am, then I'll arrived at my hospital at 7.30am

8. I'll start running from 7.30am till 7.50am or 8am, until I achieve my target of 3km per day

9. Then, I'll take my 🚿 at the hospital, and by 8.30am, I'm ready to do my ward rounds and start my clinics

10. Keep on revising and reviewing your progress. Have a running buddy that will motivate you daily. For me, my running buddy is my husband. So this running activities will also be a medium to bloom your marriage relationship with your husband. Insyaallah ! 🌹

It has been 2 months+ since I started my daily running activities. All I can say is that, it is really worthy of your time and energy spent. All the best !

Dr Nurul Yaqeen Mohd Esa
Consultant Respiratory & Internal Medicine Physician
A runner