The initial COVID-19 outbreak and the second wave have led over 25 million people in the UK to report feeling high anxiety levels during the lockdown. Despite these alarming numbers, it is still possible to find psychological, emotional and physical balance through the chaos by choosing the right lifestyle and proper health care. Do you want to know how? Find out here.  

1. Daily exercise

Maintaining regular and routine physical activity is essential to remain in top shape. Daily exercising will help to improve your overall health: lowers blood pressure and improves heart health and circulation, keep your joints supple, strengthens your muscles and bones, helps to keep your weight stable, reduces stress and anxiety levels and also releases hormones that uplift your mood.  The NHS recommend that adults aged between 19 and 64 practice up to 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.  This includes activities such as brisk walking, riding a bike or dancing 

2. Maintain a good diet and hydration. 

Healthy eating is fundamental to giving your body the care it deserves. Eating the right food in the right quantities offers your body the nutrients it needs to maintain good physical health, will stabilise your energy levels and can also help to prevent common conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. It is vital to avoid food, beverages, and drinks that have little or no nutiritional value. Proper nutrition, including water intake, offers numerous health benefits to your physical and mental health. To improve your health, make a conscious effort to consume more organic foods, vegetables, fruits, protein foods. You can also visit your local CBD supplier for supplements that can help to ease anxiety and other health concerns  

3. Get as much sleep as you can

The need for a night of good sleep cannot be overemphasized, particularly after a long day of activity. It is essential to unplug and get some rest to reinvigorate your body with fresh energy. Setting up a solid resting routine, ideally 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night will revive and energise your body for the next day's tasks.

Unfortunately many people experience sleep difficulties, either struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep.  Creating a consistent routine before bed such as night time yoga, listening to calming music, taking a relaxing aromatherapy bath, drinking relaxing herbal teas or diffusing sleep inducing aromatherapy oils will all help.

4. Address your mental health

Talking to a trusted family member or friend or even a professional will help you maintain or improve good mental health. At any one time, we all have a myriad of worries on our mind: COVID chaos, relationships, finances, work, health, how we feel about ourselves and more. Feeling bad about yourself can lead to negative self talk, poor eating habits and other behaviours that may further impact how you perceive yourself. 

Talking out your feelings and having a regular and consistent self care routine is very important to maintain your mental health and self esteem.  It is also important to take a step back from the COVID situation and maybe read or listen to less news for a while. Following a healthy and balanced diet, taking regular exercise, having adequate rest and sleep will improve your mental health.  Other activities such as self pampering, getting a massage, meditation or listening to positive affirmations could also be included in your self care routine.

If there is any aspect of your health that is currently concerning you, I do urge you to speak to your GP or for your mental health, please contact a professional organisation such as MIND .  In terms of the services I offer that can support your overall health, I offer a wide range of holistic therapies, natural health products and guides which would fit nicely into any self care routine.

Until next time

take care and stay safe

Zoe

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