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The Post-Lockdown Roadmap & Your Wellbeing Recently we have been seeing glints of hope for a return to a new normal later this year, and while this announcement is greatly welcomed it will always be met with many different reactions. Desperate to get out again? Missing interacting with friends, your classmates and family? It’s great news we’ll be back together soon isn’t it! Feeling anxious, overwhelmed and a bit fearful? Absolutely valid and normal too! I find myself drifting between the two states - very rarely landing in a rational middle ground. What's important to bear in mind is that you can take the easing of lockdown at your own pace in ways that protect you. It doesn’t matter if your friends or family are adapting, quicker and easier, it’s all about looking after yourself. Everyone has mental health and looking after your own has never been so important. The last 12 months have led to drastic changes in our everyday routine - whether this was a breeze for you, or a tiresome effort, the uncertainty of what was to come next affected everybody physically and mentally. To what extent is not relevant, someone who struggles daily is just as valid in their emotions with someone who has had an odd blip every few months for instance. Remember mental health is a continuously fluctuating state and no two minds are the same. So let’s discuss the ways you can improve your own mental and physical wellbeing; whilst supporting your nearest and dearest also.
The Big 3 Basic Needs Sleep The benefits of sleep are impressive. It varies from person to person though on average you need 8 hours per night for healthy bodily functions. Lack of sleep affects your mood and physical health as you have no time to recharge. Sleep is required to boost our immune system functions and lack of sleep can even contribute to weight gain as your body produces less of the chemical that makes you feel full.
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Diet
Exercise
Diet is essential to your physical and mental wellbeing. The best way to view your body is as a vehicle to get through your days so you need to fuel it right for effective function. A healthy, balanced diet contributes to maintaining good health while making you feel good. You want to be eating the correct portion sizes of a variety of foods to maintain a healthy weight. And don't forget to keep hydrated too, 8 glasses of water a day.
Exercise reduces your risk of major illnesses whilst keeping your body in a healthy condition, People aged 18+ should try to be active every day and aim to achieve at least 150 minutes of activity per week. People aged 5-18 are recommended to aim for an average of at least 60 minutes of an moderate intensity physical activity a day across the week. Though best of all it's a quick mood boost for you.
