Got COVID? Here are some tips to help you recover.

You likely have it, had it or you’re planning for the likelihood of getting it.

Last week, several articles were published about working out with, or after recovering from, COVID. The recommendation was to pause workouts even when asymptomatic and “take it easy.” Not exactly that helpful or specific, but I agree with the general idea.

What that recommendation really means is that if you push it too hard or do too much, it may thwart your recovery.

I have seen this pattern for many years with those recovering from surgery, in hormonal transitions, with chronic pain, stress and trauma to name a few.

Healing is a unique process and data can be very helpful for guidance.

The data I use is HRV, heart rate variability. It is a measurement that highlights the resiliency of your nervous system.

Understanding and tracking this number tells you if you are able to push it or need rest. When you feel good and push yourself with a workout or a longer walk, you can see if your body responded well or was put into stress and recovery mode. When your body is ready, you can see how many days of recovery you need. We tend to be impatient and ramp up too quickly without the proper recovery tools.

Your immune system and nervous system are closely connected. One can’t struggle or thrive without the other. Therefore, HRV is a great data point to help recover from COVID, infection or vaccine.

If you are feeling burnt out, exhausted, fatigued or without motivation, HRV tracking may be helpful for you. This is the case with any challenge to our immune and nervous system, COVID included.