Contributed Collaborative Post
Remember the first lockdown, the sun was shining, we were all getting healthy and unaware of what the next year would bring. Now we are a year on into this pandemic we have become tired and frustrated and those home workouts have become a thing of the past. But now it’s time to reflect on the year we have had and look towards the future, so let’s start with getting our bodies and minds healthy again during this lockdown.
Eating Healthier
We should always try to eat healthy anyway but spending 24/7 at home we haven’t had much time to take a break from cooking, so that’s when takeaway and quick oven meals take over. We don’t have to give up these foods entirely but making better meal choices is a step in the right direction. If you love a take away try and limit the amount you have, a weekend or once a month treat can be a great incentive for you to eat healthier during the week. Try to incorporate more fruit and veg into your diet and avoid snacking on processed foods. In no time you will be feeling less bloated, more energetic and just generally better within yourself.
Get Your Body Moving
Once you start eating healthy you will notice you have a bit more energy than usual and exercise is a great way to burn that energy. Spend at least 20 minutes a day getting that heart rate up, get outside and go for a run, brisk walk or cycle. If you prefer exercising indoors then there are many online workouts you can do to help with flexibility, strength and your cardio. In April we will hopefully see the gyms reopening, when this does happen encourage yourself to carry on your fitness journey. There are some great workout routines you can follow when you have access to gym equipment, either do some research and create your own or follow a predesigned workout such as couch to 5k, Zac Efron’s workout routine or the Peloton app.
Work on Your Mental Health
A healthy body isn’t anything without a healthy mind, so spend some time each day to reflect on your mental health. Meditation is a great way to calm your mind and shut it off to the stresses of daily life. When meditating, find a quiet spot and focus on your breathing, allow your mind to relax. Sometimes it helps to practice affirmations during this time. Quotes such as “I am making positive choices in my life” or “change is inevitable and I welcome it” can really help you think more positively. We all live busy lives but remember it is important to take time to ourselves so we can reboot. If you are struggling with your mental health, remember you are not alone and there are many charities out there that can help you. If you are feeling stressed this lockdown have a read on our tips for Dealing with Stress During Lockdown.
This is a contributed collaborative post
