After a tough year navigating multiple lockdowns, us Brits are more hopeful than ever for an unforgettable summer. However, the excitement of going back to our desired social lives may be tainted by the anxieties that lockdown has brought, like getting used to the safety and comfort of our homes.
To help prepare your mind and body for post-lockdown – whether that’s getting your body back into balance, giving yourself rewards to boost your mood, or inspiration on how to manage a healthy diet over the summer, we have some handy tips to get you back into the swing of things:
1. Find affordable personal trainers
While gyms may be reopening, many will still feel uncomfortable heading back into this environment. Alternatively, if you like the idea of fitness outdoors in the warmer weather and your own personal trainer – turn to platforms like Airtasker, the online community that connects people who need tasks and services, with people who are willing to help, where you can set your own price to find a trainer. People are using the platform to find someone to help motivate their fitness routine and shake the lockdown blues. It’s a great way to keep motivation high and help prepare yourself for freedom.
2. Create good gut health for happiness
To boost happiness, start to eat intuitively by listening to your body and eat food that makes you feel good without judgement or influence. The connection between what we eat and our mood stems from the connection between the brain and the gut and studies show that a large proportion of serotonin is produced in the gut.
As well as sleep and hydration being important factors to support gut health and mental wellbeing, probiotics such as these Gundry MD products are a great supplement to help restore the natural balance of bacteria in your gut and boost your immune system. Also, ensure you are eating plenty of fresh foods, whole grains and yogurt within your diet. It’s also worth checking for any food intolerances which could be stopping you from absorbing vital nutrients, you can find websites online that offer tests from as little as £18 or ask your GP.
3. Source healthy local food at a great price
Too good to go, is the anti-food waste app that connects customers with shops and restaurants that have unsold, surplus food for sale at great prices. Food waste has a huge impact on the environment and if you’re looking to get back on track with healthy eating, we couldn’t recommend this app more – help the planet, eat healthy and save cash! Also, there are a few naughtier choices if you fancy a treat!
4. Overcome your social anxiety
For many, our mental health has been on a rollercoaster over the past year, so you may feel uncomfortable around larger groups in social situations. To help ease you back in, gradually build up your social life by adding different activities in every other week – and remember, don’t feel pressured into accepting every offer that comes your way!
If you are still feeling high levels of anxiety, consider some options to help you combat it. You can help keep yourself calm and reduce stress production with things Rescue Remedy or Delta-8 gummies before you go out for the day. Supplements are a great way of keeping your brain ship shape. You can find articles online with information about the ones which ones really work, like this Neurohacker Collective review.
Or you could try Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – a great way to address your present thoughts and feelings and how to change your thought process positively. Bark is a website that connects you with local professionals or ask your GP.
5. Reward yourself
If we’ve learnt anything this past year it’s that life can be unpredictable and we should all do more things that make us happy. As things begin to open up, give yourself something to look forward to and browse sites such as lastminute.com which offer relaxing spa days, fun day trips and holidays. Boost your mood by booking in a treat, after all, you deserve it.
