For many in the highest tier layers and for many others in the more vulnerable categories the instruction is clear, the UK government says we should stay at home and only go outside for food, health reasons, exercise or work (if absolutely necessary).
These restrictions are aimed at keeping as many of us as possible safe. However, keeping active for many of us is as much about keeping our minds healthy, not just the body. Now is the time to get creative about what activities we can do and not just sit at home waiting for the restrictions to be lifted.
Sods law has struck, alongside the restrictions the UK weather has improved dramatically and as I write, there is not a cloud in the sky and the sun is shining. It’s even quite warm (for March). It’s important that we all make the most of this good weather, get outside every day. It is proven that getting outdoors will improve your mood, as well as replenishing your vitamin D levels. So please make the most of your one period of exercise. You don’t have to run a marathon, but a long walk, jog or bike ride would be beneficial.
Why not make a start on the pruning, clearing and getting the garden ready for winter, that you’re normally too busy to perform.. You may not be a keen gardener but getting outside and tending to your garden not only gets you out in the fresh air but counts as exercise too.
You can also workout in your garden, you do not need gym equipment. If you google ‘no equipment required home workout’, you will literally get thousands of results, with workouts that you can then follow at home. You’ll find lots of new uses for water bottles, tins of beans, brooms, etc. If a workout sounds too much like hard work, try yoga or some stretches to keep you joints in good health. Google and You Tube are great resources for advice and inspiration.
If you have a dog, now is your chance to give them extended playtimes. Throw that ball around the garden for them, play some indoor games with them.
It’s very easy during these times to become sedentary. Too much sitting around can have a negative impact on circulation. To ease this, make sure you get up off your chair and move around every 30 minutes. Walk up and down the stairs on a frequent basis or see how many times you can go up and down before becoming breathless, little things can have a huge impact on your physical and mental health.
Just remember, keeping active will boost your immune system so you are less likely to get an infection and if you do, you will be more likely to recover. So, remember, try to keep all members of your household active and just do something!
## Boldie Links:
– The latest government advice can be found **here**
– The NHS has helpfully provided a 10 minute cardio work out which can be found here in this **link**
– The BBC has some helpful ideas, if you have no equipment – see **here**