Although my Alex Prince Osteopathy clinic has recently re-opened, I have also been able to enjoy some down time with my daughter (pictured above) and I got thinking about top tips on maintaining body health during Bristol lockdown and beyond.
There are key things we can all be doing irrespective of the Covid-19 outbreak to ensure that our body health (physical, mental and emotional) is the best it can possible be, especilaly during these tough, tricky times.
As a leading osteopath in Bristol, my advice for patients at the moment is:
Get active (and stay active)
It’s critical to get outside regularly, whether that’s a daily walk, or cycling, playing with the kids in the garden, or doing some gardening in the sun.
Exercise – especially undertaken out in the fresh air – is so good for body and mind. Be careful if you’re starting a new type of exercise, or if you are increasing your training. Start gently, to avoid injury.
Focus on your ‘Core’
Working on Core Stability during Bristol lockdown and beyond will increase both stability and flexibility. This will strengthen the body and help to reduce the likelihood of muscular-skeletal injuries.
I recommend body control exercising such as Pilates or Yoga to develop this inner stability, and there are plenty of online-based classes available.
Eat well and hydrate
Many of my patients who have been in touch during lockdown mention that they are using this time to re-assess what they are eating and drinking in general.
This is a good time to look closely at diet and hydration regimes, and to possibly even consider some sort of detox. With this lovely warm weather it is also critical to drink more water (between 2-4 litres of water per day, depending on your activity levels).
Re-visit your routine
Our bodies and minds love a healthy and consistent daily routine, but for many of us lockdown in Bristol has changed this. Try to re-visit and re-establish a good routine for you and your family.
This is something that can be positively taken forward when lockdown is lifted too, giving you and your loved ones a better overall level of body health.
Watch your work space
Are you working from home during the lockdown? For many of us, work has been extremely difficult. It’s really important to look at your work place. Try to set up the best ergonomic position, to maintain good posture and to avoid back, neck or RSI strains whilst working from home.
I also recommend taking ‘micro breaks’ of 60 seconds every 20 minutes. Simply stand up and move around, get the blood flowing fully again. The body loves movement, and more movement means better body health.
Demand downtime
The recent lockdown period has been hectic for many of us, on many levels, so it’s important to take yourself away from the Covid-19 focus. Build some relaxation into each day – just as I was doing with my daughter above.
I recommend reading, meditating, yoga, watching a movie. Being present and in the moment with friends and family each day will promote good mental health.
Good sleep
Sleep is essential for restoring and maintaining body health and mind health. Now is a particularly important time to prioritise good sleep patterns.
Good quality, consistent sleep allows the body to recover from the mental, physical and emotional strains being placed on us all during Bristol lockdown. Recovery and restoration are vital to maintain body health, and sleep is key.
I wrote recently about my Bristol osteopathy clinic re-opening, and the measures in place – please review that here before booking online.
If you’re unable to safely book in to see me at the clinic at this current time, please book your online osteopathy consultation here.
I have a number of osteopathic services available to patients in Bristol, and there are specific groups that I assist, including desk-based office workers, sporty people and the elderly – please visit here to find out more.
To find out more about the full range of osteopathic treatments that I provide across Westbury Park, Clifton, Redland, Cotham and Henleaze, please visit here.