Health professional Bhavash Padhiar shares his top tips to keep your mind and body healthy during the change we’re all experiencing.
2020 is a year that will be massively remembered for the global pandemic but also for the reboot and reset of the way we the world conducts itself from now on. Life is changing so drastically that it could almost be played out like an old REM album. Living life as we know is certain to change and here are my do’s and don’ts to help you stay healthy, keep motivated and maintain strong mental health. Change doesn’t have to be scary.
Eating Habits
Almost everyone I’m speaking to are reaching for unhealthy snacks out of boredom and that fast food seems to be in great supply. The current lockdown has meant fewer shopping trips which means a bigger shop at the supermarket. Between massive family packs of crisps (with ever increasing varieties of very random flavours (has anyone tried pink prosecco crisps?) and the packets of biscuits, you may have to loosen the buttons around the midriff. Not the post lockdown look that you want when you could debut the new you.
Exercise
Joe Wicks has most of the nation sweating at 9 am with 30 minutes of cardio. This is a great way to start the day but don’t give up. Get as much exercise as you feel comfortable with. Exercising shouldn’t stop once we are free to get back to some form of regular life again. Don’t let your new love of exercise give you the feeble excuse to binge eat and undo all your hard work. Exercise and good diet work hand in hand. Remember you can’t outrun a bad diet.
Hand Washing
At the time of writing this, regular hand washing with soap for at least 20 seconds, I suggest longer, is still one of the best ways to help prevent spreading viruses and infecting yourself. Wearing gloves isn’t always the answer as you will continue to pick up the nasties which you can easily transfer to yourself and spread them further. In fact good hand hygiene should be the norm rather than the exception during a crisis like now.
Talk To An Old Friend
Group video calling has made staying in the new Friday night drinks with friends. Except now we are using the lockdown as an excellent way to connect with old friends, catch up on good times and friendly chats that the social media feed just cant match. Life has become quite isolated and finding new ways to fire up your mind is not only good for your friends circle but also your mental health. Reach out to old friends if you haven’t already, they were probably thinking of you too.
Health Is Wealth
Probiotics and antioxidants are the supplements that I would recommend to everyone regardless of any health pandemic and even more essential right now. Good probiotics pave the way for a healthier and efficient digestive system. This enables your body to extract more of the nutrients from your (hopefully) new healthy diet. Antioxidants, like vitamin C, help neutralise anti oxidants that cause damage to the vital cells in your body. It’s never too late to work on your health.
Social Distancing
Something we have learnt, is that human to human transmission of viruses is very difficult to control. The idea of not being able to meet up with friends for brunch or avoiding public places may become the new normal. Health comes first but not being able to hug friends and family outside of your home is something we may have to adjust to for the time being. Don’t worry, soon it will become easier. Social distancing will be here to stay for a while at least. It shouldn’t be anything new, after all you’ve been keeping your distance from creepy Kenneth in accounts since the 2014 Christmas party…
Cook Something New
The joys of being shown to your table, debating between the chicken or linguine and choosing a nice Gavi are just memories at the moment. A Just Eat or Deliveroo might seem the only way to enjoy restaurant food right now, but many top chefs have cookbooks and recipes online. Add the ingredients to your weekly shop and try your favourite eating out dish. You may find it’s actually quite easy.
Written By: Bhavash Padhiar
A pharmacist with over two decades of clinical experience – ranging from working in hospitals and serious injury units to owning an NHS pharmacy – Wimblederm founder Bhavash Padhiar has expertise in medicine, clinical pharmacy and advanced medispa treatments.
Facebook: @wimblederm
Instagram: @wimblederm
Twitter: @bhavashmedical
