Looking after yourself physically and mentally in lockdown...

It's impossible to say when we will be able to come out of our homes, embrace the sun, and start planning our next (well-deserved) poolside getaway. But when that time comes, we want to be ready to make the most of it!

Of course, some days will be designated purely to ‘Netflix and chill’, but it’s important to get a healthy balance. After all, we will see a change to this routine eventually, and then it will once again be time to throw on one of your designer bikinis and head to the beach. Until then, look after your mind and body at home by following these tips and tricks.

One trip out a day

As it currently stands, those of us who haven’t shown any symptoms are still permitted one dose of daily outdoor exercise, so use it well! It’s so important to get out in the sun, so whether you opt for a jog, a walk, or a cycle, get outdoors and stay active.

Healthy Eating

If you want to re-enter the world feeling and looking great, then you need to focus on healthy eating as well as exercise. Boredom can lead to binging but try to get a handle on your eating habits — the key is in the planning and the meal prep. As your trips to the supermarket will be limited (probably to a maximum of one trip per week) it’s a great idea to plan out our meals in advance. This way, you’ll have all the ingredients to hand, ready to create healthy and nutritious meals!

Why not also use some of your spare time experimenting with new recipe ideas? Healthy meals don’t have to be boring, and with a little bit of time and effort, you could create some delicious guilt-free treats!

Tech-xercise

Our workout routines have completely transformed over the past few weeks. Many of us now have more time in our day to dedicate to exercise, and it’s a great way to stave off the cabin fever. As well as keeping you looking good and feeling strong, staying active can have a transformative effect on your mental health, and it can also strengthen your immune system. Here are some ways in which you can create a new fitness regime from your living room.

Online Classes

Thanks to platforms such as Zoom, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube it is now possible to partake in a wide variety of gym classes online. With fitness experts such as Joe Wicks and channels like Yoga With Adriene so easy to access online, you’ll feel like there’s a personal trainer right there with you in the room.

If you’re wanting an even more ‘IRL’ experience, many gyms and coaches are even streaming live classes via Facebook Live or Instagram Live so you can follow along in real-time and stay motivated.

Improvised Equipment

You may be pining for the squat racks and barbells at your local gym, but now is the time to start getting creative! Grab a heavy book or two, swap out handheld weights for some cans of beans, or — if you’re feeling up for a challenge — offer a piggyback to your child while doing your daily squats!

Lockdown is proving to be a difficult time for us all, but by trying to stay active and eating healthily, you’ll find it much easier to maintain a positive attitude and you’ll come out the other side looking and feeling fabulous! However, one of the most important lessons to remember is not to be too hard on yourself!

You’ve got a lot to worry about as it is, so don’t beat yourself up if you need a day off the fitness regime and some extra snacks to get you through the day. After all, every body is beautiful, so as long as you’re feeling healthy, happy, and confident in yourself, you’ll come out of this feeling fantastic.