“Getting through tough times triggered by COVID-19 waves in Da Nang, I realized the fact that, next to life itself, good health is the most precious gift and is necessary for a meaningful existence. Social distancing, as it turns out, is an opportunity for us to “refresh”, take care of ourselves, do more physical exercise and play sports to help us live positively without fallen into mind traps”. Ms. Hoang Thi Nha Phuong, working at Nam A Uniform Company shared.

Luong Van Du, a student at the University of Education, a member school of the Da Nang University (UD), usually does physical exercise at home during the epidemic season. Photo: XUAN SON

Temporarily putting aside the habit of going to the gym as previously, she always wears a mask in public as prescribed and goes jogging every morning from home to the Han River at 5:00a.m. as a way to exercise.

1. At the weekend, Phuong does a change of air by walking around the Son Tra Peninsula with the goal of 10km per leg. “It was amazing to see the beautiful views of the beloved city at dawn while walking. Whenever I wake up late, I exercise on the terrace for about 15 minutes; so I don't feel sluggish”, said Phuong.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Chau, a resident in Nai Hien Dong Ward, Son Tra District spends time riding his sports bike along many downtown roads to boost his physical strenth and nourish his spirit in tandem with grasping the opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery after tense hours of work.

When COVID-19 broke out at the beginning of 2020, his interest in cycling became more and more “useful”. “Social distancing or restrictions on activities easily make people frustrated and stressed. However, I use this time to cycle alone, go through deserted places to enjoy the scenic beauty, take photos, relax the mind, maintain health, increase body resistance and keep up the spirit to win COVID-19 together with my loved ones”, said Phuong.

2. Recently, the municipal Youth Union and the Student’s Association of the University of Economics launched the DUE Challenge Yourself to spread the spirit of healthy living during the coronavirus resurgence amongst students and teachers.

Accordingly, participants were required to make videos of their physicals exercise “journeys” according to specific “challenges” set by the event’s organizers, and post them publicly on Facebook every day attached with the hashtags as prescribed.

Student Do Thao Phuong from the Faculty of International Business at the university participated in this challenging yet interesting event as a way to significantly improve her health.

At first, Phuong was tired and discouraged, but gradually the practice became her habit. Phuong and her friends bonded more together by practicing and helping each other shoot videos.

"This challenge has helped me witness my health improve clearly, practice living habits, eat and sleep in moderation. Thanks to this, my stomach pain has also decreased a lot, and I feel much more comfortable”, Phuong said.

In a similar vein, Luong Van Du, a final year student at the Da Nang University of Education is keen on physically practicing at home and going for morning jogs. For many years pursuing bodybuilding, Du is aware of keeping healthy. Du regularly invites friends to practice by recording videos, creating some trends on his personal social networks for viewers to follow his tracks.

The man also reminds them to wear face masks when going out and eat in moderation to stay healthy and keep fit. “Working out at home has its own fun, and I can have a private space, play my favorite music and make healthy dishes to increase disease resistance. That is what I want to spread to everyone,” Du shared.

Reporting by XUAN SON-  Translating by T.VY