Top 5 Tips To Stay Healthy in Lockdown

Well, we’ve made it through a couple of weeks of lockdown... How was it for you?

I don’t know about you, but going into it I was certainly feeling anxious about having to deal with so many concerns all at once (such as high-risk family members, work commitments, paying bills and staying healthy).

But having come through week 2 and reflected upon THE POSITIVES of what’s happened to me I wanted to share with you my “Top 5 Tips to Stay Healthy in Lockdown” so here goes...

Number 1 = Establish a Routine

I read a news article this week about a Nun who had experienced a life in solitude. She was asked about her best tips about living in isolation. Establishing a regular routine was her top recommendation.

 

 

Sister Perry is not the first to advise people to establish a routine, as numerous experts have found that routine - new or old can help people bring some stability in times of uncertainty.

 

Number 2 = Get Connected With Family

My mum and dad both live in Anglesey and my wife's family are in India.

In a “normal world’ we would have been so busy at work we’d have had very little time to talk to them. But over the last week we’ve spoken to them all more than we ever would have if we weren’t in lockdown.

So, take advantage of this extra time, reach out to friends and family and embrace all the different ways you can communicate together through technology.

 

Number 3 = Limit Your Daily “News Allowance”

I figured this one out quickly. First day I found myself watching the news all day like it was re-runs of Frasier…except I wasn’t laughing or remotely entertained.

It was actually making me feel worse…

Try to limit your “news fix” to maybe once in the morning and evening at most. Avoid leaving it on the TV all day or having it left as a tab on your computer screen.

Number 4 = Avoid Snacking

Now we're all “working from home” the kitchen is literally next door to us (or maybe for some of you you’ve set up your office in it).

This makes avoiding the temptation to snack so much harder, but we don’t want to come out from lockdown having doubled in size, as increased weight on your knee joints increases your risk of getting painful arthritis.

Try to snack on low calorie foods (e.g. rice cakes or fruit), drink plenty of water so you feel fuller and at very least hide the biscuit tin out of sight...

 

Number 5 = Exercise Daily

My favourite… As a knee specialist I am always talking to patients about the benefits exercise for healthy knees and trying to convince them to get a little more active each day and sit less…

Now, not only do you have me recommending it (+ the time), but it’s actually being recommended by the government during this crisis!

 

We are living in unprecedented times, with HUGE restrictions to our freedoms that have we've never experienced before and yet the government is still recommending that word…

EXERCISE.....

Now there must be something vitally important about it right!?

Not only does exercise help reduce pain but it also helps reduce stress, anxiety and improve sleep!

It also boosts your immune system...something we all need right now.

It doesn’t really matter what the exercise is. I don’t mind if it’s walking, jogging, yoga, pilates or cycling just make sure you do it consistently each day.

But If you are really stuck for exercise ideas check out this link below where you will find excellent free home workouts for both children and seniors.

Click here for a link to The Body Coach TV Channel.

If you follow the tips above i'm confident you will emerge out of lockdown HEALTHIER than before.

I truly hope everyone is keeping well both physically and mentally.

If you are struggling with the mental stress of this unprecedented period there is help available, the charity MIND offers support which you can access here.

If you are struggling and need some help, please don’t suffer alone, there are lots of ways we can help you while on lockdown…

Take a look at how you can get help below:

1. Free Check-In - Just hit reply to this email with your greatest concern and I will answer personally.
2. Free tailored exercise programs - Just click here for access to free exercise guides to help take the edge off your pain while in isolation (just fill in the form, I'll need your name, email and year of birth as well as info on what your main problem is)
3. Online consultation - Just click here to book in. I'm authorised by all healthcare insurers for virtual consultations.

 

Take Care, Stay at Home, Stay Safe & KEEP ACTIVE