4 Ways to Improve Wellbeing During Covid-19
As the rate of Covid-19 infections goes down in Exeter and the surrounding region, people and businesses are slowly starting to emerge from lockdown and head back to their day-to-day lives. But we can’t get away from the fact the pandemic is going to continue impacting our lives for months, possibly years, to come.
Lockdown has had an immense impact on the health, both physical and psychological, of the entire population. It is now more important than ever to take the steps necessary to ensure that our wellbeing is properly maintained.
In this article, we explore some steps you can take to improve your general wellbeing right now.
Maintain a Routine
Nobody could have fully predicted the impact that Covid-19 has had on our day-to-day lives. The rapid response of the government meant that many of us suddenly found ourselves unable to follow our usual routines of work, socialising and exercise.
Creating a new routine can help us bring normality back into our lives at such an uncertain time. Your new routine doesn't need to be overly ambitious but should help you consistently undertake healthy commitments to yourself.
For example, you may dedicate time in your new routine to exercise, socialising and relaxing. A simple and easy to follow routine can be incredibly beneficial to your mental wellbeing.
Proactively Socialise
The outside world can seem a little daunting right now. This can harm our social lives.
Being social and talking to those we know, love and care about is an important aspect of maintaining our mental health. Although we may choose not to meet up with them, especially if they are considered at risk, we must keep in touch.
This could involve regular phone or video calls. You may also choose to meet up in a controlled environment where a safe level of distance is maintained.
Being social at this time can take more energy than usual. This why we must take a proactive approach to ensure that we are keeping in touch with others, not just for our mental wellbeing, but also for theirs.
Stay Active
As lockdown continues to ease, we are seeing facilities such as gyms and pools reopening around Exeter and the surrounding area. Of course, these facilities are taking all the necessary measures to keep their users safe and if you feel comfortable using them, then you should.
For some, staying active at home remains the place they feel safest. Getting a good workout at home is a good way to maintain your physical health as well as blowing off some steam to reduce stress.
Working out at or from home can be as simple as going for a jog or doing bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups on a portable pull up bar.
Take a Walk
'Go for a walk' has remained key advice from the government as lockdown has unfolded. This is in large part because Covid-19 finds it significantly harder to spread in outdoor environments. But it is also due to the positive impact that walking can have on your mental and physical wellbeing.
Walking can help you build stamina, increase heart health and burn excess calories. In a time where we are generally spending more time enclosed inside, walking can also help us find the space to breathe, reflect, work through our challenges or simply find some mental space to relax.
At such an uncertain time our mental and physical health can drop off as a priority. But it is exactly at these times that maintaining your wellness is more important than ever. Staying fit and mentally healthy doesn’t need to be a big deal, just following the simple steps we have outlined in this article will put you in the best position for success.
