Surviving the lockdown

I've been in touch (through WhatsApp, FaceTime etc) with many of my clients since the lockdown began and I've been pleased that so many of them are still managing to work – most of them from home. The change to our lives has had a dramatic effect on our minds but also our bodies. Few of us would have guessed that we would miss the daily commute but walking to the station, using public transport, going out for lunch and travelling back home all helped keep the body moving. Now we are being told we can only exercise once a day. The rest of the time many of us are at home. So how do we look after ourselves in the new normal?

First, exercising is even more important now than it was before the lockdown. Don't forgo the opportunity we all still have to get out each day and move – even if it's only an hour's walk. There's lots of exercise you can do both in and outside the home. Personally, I exercise outside but I've also taken to following aerobic and strength-training exercises on Youtube. Who knows, this could be the moment I finally take up yoga (so far I've managed to resist the temptation).

If you're working from home, try to make your 'work station' as comfortable as possible – no, that doesn't mean working from the sofa with a G&T. One idea is to follow the BBC – Bum tucked in to the Back of the Chair. Don't slouch! Make sure your back is supported because although you may get away with poor posture for a while, we still have a long way to go and you need to get into the habit of sitting in a well supported position.

Another idea is to use your kitchen worktop as a desk and stand at it to work. This might work – perhaps in combination with your sit-down desk – especially if you can get the computer raised so that you're not looking down on the screen.

However you set up your desk, make sure you take frequent breaks. Stretch, roll your shoulders, follow a quick 5-minute aerobic exercise on Youtube – anything to increase shoulder, neck and back mobility. Then go back to work.

Daily exercise is really important now as it's much easier to feel more positive and less anxious if we are feeling physically fit and strong.

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