Looking after your physical health has a big impact on how you are feeling emotionally and mentally. At times like these, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy patterns of behaviour which in turn can make you feel worse. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water, exercise inside where possible and outside once a day, and try to avoid smoking and alcohol in excess. Following general healthy living advice such as this will support you to remain positive, strong and managing stress during this challenging time.
We've included some hints, tips and links to support you to stay physically healthy below:
Our wellbeing and lifestyle coaches are available to support you to improve your physical health. The coaches can offer 1-1 or group physical activity training and individual weight management support. All staff will be asked to undertake a short screening exercise prior to any activities taking place. This is to ensure your safety and wellness and to support staff who may have medical conditions or disabilities. Please contact wellbeinghub@nwbh.nhs.uk for information and advice.
Keep active where you can, there are lots of home workouts available for you to try listed below:
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10 minute work outs from Public Health England
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Try NHS Fitness Studio exercise videos from the comfort of your front room
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Sport England also has good tips for keeping active at home
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Jo Wicks has a free youtube channel to keep you active
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If you are able to go outside, consider walking or gardening (keeping the recommended 2 metres from others as outlined in the social distancing guidance).
Unfortunately due to lockdown restrictions, the staff health and wellbeing centre is currently closed.
Why not try Couch to 5K?
Public Health England are working in partnership with BBC Get Inspired, Sport England and London Sport to launch a 9-week Couch to 5K challenge as a way of becoming physically active while social distancing measures remain in place. The running programme encourages even complete beginners to become more active, by making it easy and fun.
Online Yoga
We have teamed up with A Pathway to Health to launch a FREE online functional yoga class for staff. Classes are pre-recorded and are different each week. Classes last for 45 minutes and can be accessed on any device.
Would you like to come and talk informally about any menopausal symptoms you may be experiencing? These sessions are facilitated by two female counsellors from our staff health and wellbeing service and aim to provide a safe, confidential place to talk about how your symptoms affect you at home and work.
Feeling anxious or worried can make it harder to get a good night's sleep. Good-quality sleep makes a big difference to how you feel mentally and physically, so it's important to get enough.
Get practical advice:
The Live Well section of the NHS website is full of information about how to live a healthier lifestyle and practice self-care. We've included some other helpful links below:
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The Eatwell guide shows how much of what we eat overall should come from each food group to achieve a healthy, balanced diet
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Check whether you're a healthy weight by using the BMI healthy weight calculator.
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If you are looking to lose weight, Start the NHS weight loss plan, a 12-week weight loss guide that combines advice on healthier eating and physical activity. It is designed to help you lose weight safely – and keep it off!
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Take the How Are You quiz to see how healthy you are or you can take the online heart age test to see your risk of getting heart disease or stroke
Below is a list of the most useful apps around to support you to maintain your physical health, try them and see what works for you and try your best to maintain this practice daily.
Couch to 5k Get off the couch and running 5k in just 9 weeks. Grab your trainers and follow the step-by-step audio instructions.
My Fitness Pal Take control of your goals. Track calories, breakdown ingredients, and log activities with MyFitnessPal.
Easy Meals More than 150 delicious, easy, healthier recipes just a tap away. Search by mealtime and save shopping lists for later.