We are currently going through a time that many of us have not seen in our life time. The unknown is something that we don’t experience often and can be seen as daunting and scary.
However throughout this challenging time, it is important to remember that like anything, this time will pass. And as challenging events in the past have shown, we will come out the other end stronger and more resilient as a community.
With many people going into social isolation, it’s more important than ever to keep moving, stay positive, be happy and show kindness to those around us.
Here we have put together just a few ways that we can stay positive and healthy over the coming weeks during times of self isolation.
1) Get out and go for a walk in nature. Most of us are lucky enough to have a park, river or ocean not too far away. Walking is one of the best ways to clear our minds, improve our mood and reduce anxiety. A 20 minute walk in the fresh air can be an effective and simple way to lift your mood and get your body moving.
2) Meditate. For those of us that have had ‘learn to meditate’ on our to do lists for the last 5 years, now is the perfect time to start. Meditation and mindfulness not only helps to reduce stress and anxiety, but it also helps to promote compassion and kindness – something that would not go astray in these challenging times. Download a meditation app and start off small. 10 minutes a day is a great place to start.
3) Move at home. Many studios and gyms are offering online classes that you can partake in, meaning that if you do have to miss out on your morning Pilates class, there is still the option to move. Maintaining your strength and agility will help to reduce injury (especially when you do start back up at your local gym or studio) as well as releasing those feel good endorphins.
4) Vitamins and supplements. Vitamins and supplements can be a great way to boost your immunity and maintain good health. Vitamin C is one of the biggest immune system boosters of all, and can be found naturally in oranges, strawberries and spinach. Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E are also important immune boosters. Of course it is always important to seek advice from your general practitioner before taking supplements, especially if you are already on other medication.
5) Make the most of your time at home. Get out into that part of the garden that you’ve wanted to work on for years. Read the book that all your friends have been talking about. Do a 1000 piece puzzle, because when was the last time we had time to do that? Bake a cake (if you’re lucky enough to have flour). Rarely do we get to spend time at home and just be. Embrace this time. Slow down and make the most of it.
Self isolation can be a time to regroup, recharge and come out the other end stronger. Check in with each other, take care and be kind to yourself, your family and friends.
Alice Kipatrick
Podiatrist & proud owner of Winnie the Kelpie