Managing Health and Wellbeing through Lockdown

This subject is more important then you would ever believe.  I look back on my operational tours and think about the restrictions placed on me through long periods.  The isolation and the conditions really tested my mental health along with the extreme pressure we operated under, is no different to what NHS colleagues are experiencing through the pandemic.  I feel privileged to be part of a team who have worked throughout the crisis but I have been fortunate to experience the work and passion clinical staff are putting into making a difference through the vaccination programme.

It is now even more important that we look after our physical and mental health wellbeing.  If we are fit to work, then we will be fit to treat.  

Why not look at these areas to concentrate your energy on?

Digital resources are really important now, with isolation the digital revolution allows us to use fitness apps and wearables to record our progress, wellbeing and sleep.  Access through these applications also allow you to check symptoms and stay connected to health services.  The NHS is still open to treat the day to day conditions especially if you have a long term condition.

Setting goals are important, however you need to be realistic, so start small to grow big.  Use apps to help you achieve these goals such as the OneYou app to follow the couch to 5km programme or use my virtual mission to plan routes for walks.

Pacing your routine is very important during the week,  it’s no good burning yourself out. Why not try to alternate your routine, say Monday 5km, Tuesday 7km and Wednesday 10km.  Once you are at the top of the pyramid you could come down with a Thursday 7km and a Friday 5km.  There are lots of ideas to pace yourself but remember it’s not a race and we don’t know when lockdown will truly end yet.

Problem solving is great when you have head space.  I use my runs to review my problems and put a plan in place to tackle them or think about what I can influence and what I can’t influence.  Being able to problem solve will help you take the stress away during the day if you can solve your issues.

Sleep is really important, I try to get between 7 and 7hours 30minutes of daily sleep.  Having a good sleep pattern will help your day to day routine and keep you fresh for your daily activity.  Taking time to relax is also important, so make sure you take a break to allow your body to recover from all the activity you are doing.  I use some breathing techniques to help me relax which are available on Fitbit.

Try and keep moving throughout the day, if you are struggling to move try setting a small moving goal and build on it daily or weekly.  You can incorporate this in your home or work routine but again it’s down to getting your routine going.  Finally if you are struggling please reach out to a friend or family member, or check in on a friend if they are struggling.  Our mental health is more important now to Vero me the restrictions being put in place, however the government guidelines recognises this and encourages everyone to take some form of exercise.  

Be safe and be active.