Tammi Robinson is one of CrossFit’s toughest and most resilient competitors , but that doesn’t mean the South African expat isn’t afraid to be vulnerable. The 27-year-old was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2016 and said Hong Kong’s coronavirus restrictions means she has to pay special attention to her mental health. “Right now is one of those times where I’ve had to err on the side of caution,” said Robinson, who works as a coach at North Point’s Coastal Fitness. “The third wave of Covid-19 has just hit Hong Kong, and although I’m not particularly stressed about the potential outcome with work or finances, it means change to my routine. Ultimately, change to what I’ve created stirs the pot a little and leaves an opportunity for me to slip into an episode.” Robinson, who is South Africa’s CrossFit country champion, also came 70th in the world in the female division of the 2020 CrossFit Open. She said she gets asked regularly how she approaches work, life and everything in between, and said staying mentally fit is all about routine. View this post on Instagram Another day exploring our back yard in Hong Kong ☀️⛰♀️ @activeyewear @anthayneshk #Adventure #Nature #Sun #Bikini #Happy #Smile #Love A post shared by Tammi Robinson (@tamarind111) on Aug 8, 2020 at 6:57am PDT “It means being meticulous with things that are within my control,” she said. “Resorting back to my ‘mental health toolbox’ to avoid my triggers.” Her checklist includes getting to bed at a regular time (eight plus hours); monitoring the volume and intensity of her workouts and changing up the stimulus when needed; getting outdoors and into nature consistently; making sure she hits her nutritional targets; dedicated alone “me time”; reflection and journaling time; and communicating with those closest to her that she is taking steps to avoid an episode and needs them to keep her accountable. Five at-home exercises to do during Hong Kong’s lockdown Robinson said combining all of these, albeit regular activities, goes a long way in staying on top of her bipolar disorder during such trying times. “I get that these things seem pretty monotonous for most, but it is just something I have to do in order to stay mentally healthy. Living with a mental illness can be really draining, both mentally and physically, and this year has been one hell of a roller coaster.” Hong Kong is now approaching one month of the city’s most restrictive regulations , which includes having to wear a mask outdoors when exercising. It is taking its mental toll. Canadian expat Anik Tremblay, who came third at Racing the Planet New Zealand’s 250 kilometre stage race in 2019, said she continued training after the first wave hit in February but had to cancelled a number of races. However, she said like many in the city, the new measures were both unexpected and tough. “When the latest wave hit with all the new restrictions, like having to wear a mask even when running and not being able to run with big groups of friends, I felt a bit demoralised at first. For a couple days I stressed out a bit.” Tremblay said she was able to turn her mindset around by focusing on enjoying her pastime, rather than training specifically for a race. “I decided that I was going to stop worrying about my training and just enjoy running again, at least for a couple of weeks. That means later starts, slower pace, run by feel, change the playlists, eat new snacks. “I’ll still hit the trails as much as possible, as this is what has been keeping me sane so far this year. But for the next few weeks, there will be less emphasis on discipline and more focus on my love of running.” Some athletes have had extra hurdles to overcome. Hong Kong national 15s rugby player Fin Field is rehabilitating an ACL reconstruction and MCL repair, which has kept him busy. “Having said that, getting out on the weekend and breaking the training and work routine by having a hike or a swim is also definitely a coping mechanism for me,” he said. “I’ve recently been exploring places I haven’t been to in Hong Kong, generally around Lantau and Sai Kung, for a bit of variety. “If you’re feeling a bit cooped up with international travel being restricted, then it’s also far enough away to give it the feel of going away on holiday, so that definitely helped me.” Fellow rugby player, 15s women player Lindsay Varty, who is also the author of Sunset Survivors: Meet the People Keeping Hong Kongs Traditional Industries Alive , said her best trick is to head out to Clear Water Bay where she grew up. “When everything gets a bit heavy, I like to go on the hike I used to do by myself when I was growing up, and sit on the same rock looking out over the sea that I did when I was nine and had no troubles at all. It helps remind me that things are all right.”
