How To Improve Nutrition & Exercise Amid Lockdown

Without a normal daily routine, it's all too easy to get into bad habits and soon it starts to show.

It might have seemed like a good idea to try an online workout, but it was much easier to press play on a favourite series and grab a bowl of snacks.

Yet we all know we feel better when we get active and eat better, so now is the perfect time to introduce some changes.

Interestingly, a UK survey from April found that 28% of people aged 18-24 engaged in more physical activity than usual post-lockdown, while a further 12% said they were exercising much more than usual. However, the picture was less positive for those aged 35-44, of whom 19% said they were working out less than before.

In this article, we're going to look at ways to up your nutrition and fitness during these turbulent times.

We’ve got to be kind to ourselves about the realities of this past year, and the mental and physical effects. Getting out and about wasn’t always easy, and sometimes not even permitted by government regulations.

Others worked long stressful hours, meaning it was more difficult than ever to find time for healthy eating and exercise.

With lockdown ending for some of us, it’s a great opportunity to commit to looking after ourselves and our bodies. Introducing small changes quickly makes a difference, without feeling overwhelmed or exhausted.

Be realistic, and gradually introduce new behaviour. It takes time for habits to stick, so little and often is the way forward!

A gentle walk and some stretches is as good a place as any to kick off the new you. Your body will feel better for moving more, and it will soon feel easier to incorporate more physical activity into daily life.

Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. It can end up being counter-productive if you don’t manage to achieve your goals, as you might feel like giving up. Instead, make a resolution to do something each day, whatever it is – a short walk, some yoga, a leisurely bike ride, a jog, or a quick home workout when you have a spare five minutes can all help get you on the right track.

For many people, lockdown meant disrupted routines. Sleep was elusive for some, while for others it was a refuge. Getting up and getting ready for the day didn’t seem so necessary with nowhere to go.

Likewise, it was easy to stay up later and forget about sensible bedtimes. A good way to get control back is to re-introduce good sleep patterns and morning habits.

Getting a decent amount of sleep, getting dressed, and having a healthy breakfast each morning is a great way to start the day, making it easier to carry out other tasks.

Doing some exercise shortly after rising can help you feel energised. In the evening, take time to wind down before bed – try reading a book instead of looking at a screen, or drink a calming herbal tea.

If you’re at home all day, it’s easy to keep wandering into the kitchen and opening the cupboards to see what tempts you, so try to introduce a sense of routine into eating habits too.

Plan tasty, healthy meals with lots of fruit and vegetables, proteins, and whole grains. Instead of snacking and grazing all day, be more intentional about mealtimes.

As with exercise, it can feel hard to make big changes, so start small and try cutting down on unhealthy treats, rather than cutting them out entirely.

Related: Four Simple Lifestyle Changes for a Healthier You

It can feel hard to fit in all the necessary nutrition, especially when you are trying to make up for months of unhealthy living. Do not feel that you have to do it all alone – to give your body a boost, you could add specially designed supplements and vitamins into the mix.

Maximum Vibrance is probably the best nutritional all-rounder on the market, containing an abundance of veggies, fruit, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, probiotics and protein. Use one scoop for a snack, two for a meal replacement.

Combined with new healthy habits, they can help to make a real difference to your well-being and ensure you are getting maximum results from your efforts to improve your health.

Related: Why You Should Combine Vitamin D with B12 and Magnesium

Caffeine and alcohol consumption increased for many people during lockdown.

Without the normal daily work structure, it was too easy to drink coffee at any time of day. Try getting water back into your life!

Fill a water bottle and carry it with you, ready to refill when needed. It’s not essential to cut out caffeine and alcohol entirely if you don’t want to. However, it is important to increase the amount of filtered water you drink and you’ll start to notice the benefits.

Your skin will look better, you’ll feel healthier overall, and you’ll be giving your body what it really needs.

Related: The 6 Best Times to Drink Water and When Not To

Starting to make good choices about daily routines can have a huge impact on energy levels, your sense of well-being and your overall health.

It might feel overwhelming to know where to start, but by tweaking daily behaviours and focusing on what you eat and drink, the end of lockdown could be the start of a healthy new lifestyle.

Water for Health Ltd began trading in 2007 with the goal of positively affecting the lives of many. We still retain that mission because we believe that proper hydration and nutrition can make a massive difference to people’s health and quality of life. Click here to find out more.