Due to the coronavirus outbreak, everyone has been spending a lot more time at home.
This may have affected the amount of physical activity you have been able to do, which in turn could have had an impact on how you’re feeling.
It’s easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour when you’re stuck indoors, but you don’t have to.
Even though you can now enjoy unlimited outdoor exercise, it’s important to stay alert and limit your contact with others.
Activities you can do outside
Remember if you do go out, you must maintain a distance between you and other people, and wash your hands thoroughly once you return.
You can now meet outdoors, provided social distancing is observed and you maintain a distance from anyone outside of your household, with no time restrictions. So you are free to enjoy as much exercise as you like.
If you have not been doing much exercise, here are some easy ways to get you moving:
- Going for a walk
- Going for a bike ride
- Going for a jog or run (if you have never done this before, why not download a free app called Couch to 5k which helps build up your ability to jog or run?)
Activities you can do at home
While it’s good to get some fresh air, there are lots of exercises that can be done at home to help keep you physically active.
Below are some online resources that you can access to help keep you active:
Sport England have developed a campaign called ‘#StayInWorkOut’ which has lots of tips and advise on how to exercise at home.
Joe Wicks, The Body Coach has a number of videos you can access on YouTube on how to stay fit at home. He is also doing a 30 minute PE class three times a week (PE with Joe).
Yoga Sports England recommend a YouTube Channel called ‘Yoga with Adriene’ which is another way to stay active, and also helps with mindfulness
The NHS website has lots of 10 minute exercises you can do without the use of the gym.
There are other ways that you can get some exercise without using online resources. For example, helping out with housework or gardening can help to keep you active and feeling good too.
How to get help
If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your public health nurse.
