Here it is, Lockdown 2.0! We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone, especially this time around with the longer and much colder days. However, we’ve done it before and can most definitely do it again! Why not take a look at our Top Tips for keeping a healthier mind during this Lockdown, hopefully some of them can help you and maybe even your family and friends!
Get a good nights sleep
It may tempting during Lockdown to stay up late catching up on your favourite series on Netflix or Facetiming your mates with a few virtual bevs, after all you don’t have to be anywhere in the morning right? However, getting a good nights sleep plays a very important role in overall health and well-being. During sleep, your body is working to support healthy brain function and maintain physical health. If you don’t allow this to happen how can you expect to feel on top form the next day? Some studies have also shown that sleep deficiency can affect activity in some parts of the brain making solving problems, decision making and controlling emotions much more difficult!
Stay hydrated
Have you ever noticed that when you don’t drink enough water throughout the day, you generally just feel a bit ‘blurgh’? Keeping hydrated is important for so many reasons and it’s recommended that we drink between 1-1.5 litres of water a day! Getting in enough fluid helps to regulate body temperature, keep our organs working properly, improve sleep quality and enhance our mood! So why not grab a bottle and start sipping!
Reduce caffeine intake
Now we all enjoy a morning coffee and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, but, there could be many health benefits to reducing your caffeine intake throughout the day. Here’s just a few:
Less Anxiety- There’s no question about it, caffeine comes with a big boost in energy. That’s why most of us drink it right? However, with this energy boost our ‘fight or flight’ hormones are stimulated. This can lead to in an increase in nervousness, heart palpitations and anxiety.
Better Absorption of Nutrients- Calcium, Iron and B Vitamins all play an important role in a healthy diet but how well is your body absorbing these? It is possible that the tannins found in coffee could be inhibiting your absorption of these essential nutrients and therefore contributing to you not feeling your best!
Fewer Headaches- Have you ever thought about why you might feel a headache coming along if you skip your morning coffee? It could be caffeine withdrawal! This may sound extreme but if your body becomes dependent on caffeine, it will struggle if the level is not maintained. Other symptoms of caffeine withdrawal include fatigue, nausea, difficulty concentrating and sometimes even flu like symptoms, none of which we need right about now!
So we aren’t saying completely cut out caffeine but there are clearly some benefits to limiting your intake. Maybe a UFIT Iced Latte in the morning is all you need?!
Fresh Air
Whether you’re working from home or the office, fresh air during the day is important for both physical and mental well-being. It has been shown that it can help with digestion, blood pressure and strengthening the immune system, all of which could lead to a healthier you! And as for your mental health, have you noticed that by being outside you instantly feel happier? You start to look around, the sound of the birds tweeting and the sun poking through the clouds brings you a sense of joy!
So do yourself a favour and don’t get stuck in a habit of opening your laptop first thing in the morning and just sitting for the whole day! Even if that means going for a short walk, light jog or cycle- you don’t need a gym to stay active! The outdoors is an amazing place and there are so many things to enjoy about nature.
We hope that this article helps you and gives you a few things to think about. If you’ve found Lockdown 2.0 hard so far then try a few of our top tips and let us know what you think!
Sources: Harvard, Healthline, Terrapinadventures
