How to Stay Healthy During Lockdown

 

Ten Top Tips for Mental & Physical Wellbeing

2021 has not started quite as we would have hoped with the coun try going into another lockdown this week, and this lockdown is going to be another major challenge for many people. But one thing we all know in these uncertain times is how important it is to maintain good health, both physically and mentally. So Rudding Estate asked Lauren Randall of Lauren Randall Fitness,  a personal trainer working from the HarrogatePT Training Gym at Spa Bottom Farm, for her tips on how we can all look after ourselves during this third lockdown. 

 Lauren studied Physical Therapy in America and has been a Personal Trainer, with additional qualifications in strength and conditioning, since 2015.  Her approach is to make fitness fun and inclusive and she loves having adventures outside, which is very appropriate given that through this lockdown current Government guidelines allow Personal Trainers to train clients on a 1:1 basis outside!  

 

 

Lauren Randall

Laurens Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy During Lockdown 

 

• Set yourself daily or weekly challenges to keep yourself moving. Even on the days you don't feel motivated stick to your plan and feel accomplished! Challenges could include ten thousand steps a day, three jogs a week or a thousand burpees in a month ..... ok that last one doesn't sound too fun, but you get the idea? 
• Join in with online fitness classes. You can keep fit while supporting your local trainers and gyms by participating in their Zoom fitness sessions or online personal training. Having a structure to follow and seeing friendly faces is a great way to keep your mental and social well-being in check during lockdown.
• Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol negatively impacts our sleep, hydration, energy levels and ability to build muscle.
• Find a routine. Setting a nightly bed time, waking up at a regular time, walking the dog, doing the crossword, joining a yoga class. However your routine looks to you stick with it and these small daily habits will help pass the time and give some structure to your day. 
• Find what makes you happy and do it as often as you can! This could be walking, painting, gardening, zoom quizzes with friends, dancing, Sudokus (does anyone else still do these?). Find what brings you joy and make it part of your daily routine.
• Get outside! Being in the fresh air surrounded by nature is great for our mental health, as well as the physical aspect of walking. Remember, there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing. Gardening is also proven to improve our mood and physical fitness levels and who doesn't love home grown fruit and veg?
• Eat as many whole foods as possible. Fuelling our bodies with nutritious food, vitamins and minerals will help keep your energy levels up and performing your best.
• At the time of writing this article government guidelines allow us to meet with one person from another household for outdoor exercise. Find a personal trainer to build your strength and fitness for 1:1 outdoor sessions, or meet with a friend for a walk or a jog. Not only will this improve your physical health, but mental and social well being too. Having an accountability partner helps keep you engaged and motivated.
• "Comparison is the thief of joy". Try not to compare your lockdown to anyone else's as this will quickly lower your mood. Focus on your small daily wins, your health and what makes you happy (Sudokus anyone?).
• Reach out! If you feel your mental health is suffering, reach out to someone. A friend, family member or a mental health service such as MIND. Talk to someone who can help you find solutions to help. 

 

While realistically hitting all 10 may not be achievable for everyone, try to target a few and find what works for you and your lockdown routine.

 

Stay Safe. Stay Healthy. See you all Soon.

Lauren working out outside at HarrogatePT Training Gym, Spa Bottom Farm

Rudding Estate would like to thank Lauren Randall Fitness for this article.

 

If you would like to know more or to arrange a 1:1 session with Lauren she can be contacted via:

https://www.instagram.com/laurenrandallfitness/

https://www.facebook.com/laurenrandallfitness