Whether you’re still in lockdown, back in lockdown or slowly emerging back in to every day life but still wanting to hold on to some of that slowing down, check out my 5 Great Things to Get You Through Lockdown 2.0.
1. Keep moving!
The healthier you are, the least likely you are to get sick due to having a strong immunity.
Did you know that exercise helps to build your immunity? It does so by putting small amounts of stress on the body which in turn causes an increase in our white blood cell production (disease fighting cells) and anti-bodies.
Exercise also helps to flush bacteria out of the lungs and ariways which can help reduce our chance of getting colds and flus.
What exercise can you do in lockdown?
>> Walk, run, ride a bike, do a home workout. You Tube has thousands of home workouts you can try or if you’re looking for more structure check out my Home Pilates Workout Series.
It’s 10 of my best home Pilates workouts all 20 minutes or last so perfect to fit in even when you’re busy or not feeling up for a long workout.
2. Watch the Classics
From Gone with the Wind (one of my favourites) to Mary Poppins for the kids, turn back time and enjoy one of the Classics.
There’s nothing better than snuggling up on a cold wet night with a doona and some home-popped popcorn (so easy and healthier for you too!).
Some of our family faves include The Labyrinth, Back to the Future, Bed Knobs and Broomsticks and Disney’s Toy Story series.
What will you watch?
3. Listen to a Podcast!
From learning a new skill to hearing amazing life stories and journeys there’s a podcast for everyone. Politics, travel, art, true crime, health, you name it, there’s a podcast for it.
Some of my faves include;
Kwik Brain- Bite size brain hacks for a sharper mind
Disney Travel Secrets- for all things Disney of course
Everything is Teachable- learning a new skill and help for business owners
>> And if you haven’t checked it out yet, check out my podcast; Mind Movement Health where I chat all things health, wellness and movement.
4. Connect with family and friends
Whether that’s FaceTime or zoom calls, waves through the window or a simple phone call.
Make sure you are reaching out to family and friends to stay in touch and have that connection with others. It matters more than you think especially for our own mental health and can really change the mood of your day.
If you have kids, encourage them to write letters to loved ones and friends, have face time catch-ups and short play dates and include them in your family calls. Kids miss face-face interactions as much as we do and it can play a huge part in helping us to stay positive and keep anxiety at bay.
5. Meditation and breath work
Now, is a great time to start a meditation practice. Short, long, moving, with music, guided, solo-there are so many options to choose from.
Want some help?
Click here to tune in to my podcast episode with Emma Abbott for all things meditation.
Breathwork can also be a great way to relax, destress and decompress.
What is it exactly?
Breathwork can be guided or solo but essentially you are taking time out of your day to sit or lie down and focus on your breathing.
This is extremely beneficial for your nervous system, immunity and for helping to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
A great short breathwork to get you started is the box breath.
Simply;
Inhale for a count of 4
Hold your breath for a count o 4
Exhale for a count of 4
Hold your breath for a count of 4
Repeat 10 times.
For more info on Breathwork check out the Australian Breathwork Association or the App Breathwrk.
I hope this has given you some inspiration to try a new practice, learn, move and find ways to stay positive and look after your health.
Our health is one thing we can control so let’s look after ourselves the best we can.
Do you want to know more about how you can improve your health during lockdown?
Check out these podcasts:
Episode 3 – 3 Easy Ways to Boost Your Immunity
Episode 8: Connecting to your breath and finding health strategies that work for YOU