Staying Healthy and Fit During COVID-19 Lockdowns!
Now more than ever, prioritising our physical and mental health is crucial. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed immense strain on our well-being, leaving us more vulnerable than ever. With confinement measures keeping us at home and limiting social contact, we must make a conscious effort to look after ourselves.
A Pandemic That Changed Everything
COVID-19 has undoubtedly marked a turning point in global public health and the economy. Governments worldwide have implemented restrictions, including banning public gatherings and urging citizens to stay at home. While these measures are necessary to protect the most vulnerable—such as the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, and those in long-term care—they come at a great cost.
With projections indicating the pandemic could last well over a year until a vaccine is developed, it’s difficult to remain optimistic. We don’t know when this will end, and for now, all we can do is follow the guidance: stay home, maintain social distancing, and do our part to protect one another.
The Emotional Toll of Confinement
Being confined to our homes can take a significant toll on our mental health. The uncertainty of the future, financial worries, isolation from loved ones, or even the loss of a family member to the virus can easily lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.
Many of us may develop bad habits during this time—spending hours on the couch in pyjamas, neglecting exercise, reaching for unhealthy convenience foods, and staying up late binge-watching Netflix. We become glued to our phones, bombarded by negative news and social media updates, unable to escape the doom and gloom surrounding the pandemic.
The effects of such habits go beyond mental fatigue. Overexposure to screens and Wi-Fi, for example, has been linked to oxidative stress, neuropsychiatric effects, and sleep disturbances. Combined with unhealthy eating and inactivity, this can spiral into poor physical and emotional health.
A Reminder of Better Days
Just a few weeks before the lockdown, I was in a completely different state of mind. I had returned from a residential detox retreat with seven wonderful women, feeling refreshed, healthy, and invincible. We spent a week fasting and juicing, immersed in nature, enjoying yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation. We shared laughter, built connections, and nurtured ourselves in every sense of the word.
Then, within days, everything changed. The lockdown began, stress levels soared, and normal life felt like a distant memory.
How the Lockdown Got the Better of Me
At first, I tried to stay positive. But the reality of being confined with my family 24/7, cancelling work plans, and losing my usual routine began to wear me down. Before I knew it, I was reaching for comfort food: gluten-filled bread, chocolate, and even banana cake. I broke a years-long streak of avoiding wine and polished off my first bottle in months.
The consequences were immediate. Within five weeks, I had gained five kilos, developed joint aches, digestive issues, and other signs of inflammation. As a trained Nutritional Therapist, I felt ashamed that I had let the pandemic derail my health so quickly.
Why Staying Healthy Matters Now More Than Ever
This pandemic has made one thing abundantly clear: our health is our most valuable asset. Winston Churchill once said, “Healthy citizens are the greatest asset any country can have.” In the face of COVID-19, we owe it to ourselves, our loved ones, and those working tirelessly on the frontlines to prioritise our well-being.
Now is the time to take action. With Easter behind us and the chocolate stash depleted, let’s focus on reclaiming our health.
Simple Steps to Stay Healthy During Lockdown
1. Start with a Detox
Kickstart your health journey with a 3-day juice cleanse. I’m offering free guidance during the lockdown—just email me at info@thefastwaytodetox.ie or leave your details on our contact page.
2. Eat Clean and Healthy
Make better food choices by eating fresh, wholesome meals. Re-learn to cook from scratch, involve your children, and incorporate plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet.
3. Get Moving
Exercise is essential for both physical and mental health. Try jumping rope in the garden, joining a yoga class on YouTube or Zoom, or going for a walk or cycle within 2 kilometres of your home.
4. Practise Mindfulness
Take care of your emotional needs through meditation and gratitude. Stay in touch with loved ones via phone or video calls and make time for the present moment each day.
5. Prioritise Sleep
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Quality rest is vital for a healthy immune system and mental clarity.
6. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water—an average of 2 litres for women and 2.5 litres for men daily. Hydration is crucial for overall health, as water makes up around 60% of the human body.
7. Spend Time in Nature
Take advantage of cleaner air by visiting a local park or seafront (if permitted). Breathe deeply and soak in the tranquillity of your surroundings.
8. Soak Up Some Sunshine
Spend 20 minutes a day in the sun to boost your vitamin D levels, essential for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
If we commit to these steps, we’ll emerge from lockdown healthier, stronger, and more resilient. Our immune systems will thank us, and our bodies and minds will be better equipped to handle whatever challenges lie ahead.
The state of our health could very well determine how we experience this virus—whether it’s a mild cough or something more severe. Let’s take this time to care for ourselves and ensure we’re as prepared as possible.
Together, we can stay physically and mentally healthy and get through this challenging time stronger than ever.