The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone. As we find ourselves in yet another lockdown, it is extremely important we remember to take care of not only our physical health but our mental health as well. Here are 5 ways you can stay healthy this lockdown:
1) Go for a Walk
Whether it’s 10 minutes or an hour, going for a walk is a great way to stay physically and mentally healthy. Walking is a great way to improve your mood, improve cardiovascular fitness and provide a distraction from work or school. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out some of our favourite trails in Toronto:
2) Pick Up a New Hobby
In the winter it can be tough to motivate yourself to go outside. If that’s the case, then why not try a new indoor hobby! Things such as knitting, sudoku, crosswords, painting or playing an instrument are great ways to decrease stress while staying warm this winter.
3) Try a New Exercise Routine at Home
Now that you have gone for a walk and picked a new hobby, it is time to get active! Whether you are new to exercise or an experienced athlete, YouTube has endless free videos for all your activity needs. Try searching yoga, Zumba, pilates or HIIT to find an activity that you might love and can be done from the comfort of your own home!
4) Get a Massage
What better way to stay healthy than getting a massage! Massages are designed to reduce muscle soreness and tension while also reducing feelings of stress. So why not head on down to Bloor Park Physiotherapy and make an appointment with one of our talented massage therapists Charles Azulay or Lewis Ly and treat yourself to 30, 45 or 60 minutes of pure relaxation!
5) Call a Friend
Lockdowns facilitate social isolation which has been shown to increase feelings of depression and anxiety. To combat these feelings we recommend you call, facetime or zoom someone that makes you smile! Whether it is a family member, that co-worker who always brought donuts to work or a friend that never fails to make you laugh, pick up the phone and who knows, maybe you can encourage one another to try some of the things on this list!
Stay safe and healthy