Exetercation: Looking after your Mental and Physical Health

Get your trainers on!

It is true what they say - as much as we all make excuses not to, exercise is actually really good for you! Sparing time for exercise during lockdown can do you the world of good, here are 10 benefits of exercising:

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- Improves your memory and brain function no matter your age

- Protects you against many chronic diseases

- Improves heart health and lowers blood pressure

- Reduces the feeling of depression and anxiety

- Helps in weight management

- Improves your quality of sleep

- Helps your body manage your blood sugar and insulin levels

- Improves your mood and mental health

- Boosts your energy levels

- Strengthens your bones and muscles

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We know that gyms are closed and it’s dark and cold out there - but don't worry, we have found some amazing workouts you can do at home! Sports England have partnered up with some amazing groups who offer paid and free classes for you to try out - we have listed a few of them below to get you going:

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For the adults

- POPSUGAR Fitness: More than 500 workouts from celebrity trainers and fitness experts

- The Body Coach: we all know Joe Wicks. Joe provides fun workouts which doesn't require equipment

For the children

- Get Kids Moving: A selection of workouts that put the fun back into fitness and help engage kids. Children can train alongside their favourite superheroes from the comfort of their home

- Disney Workouts: A chance for parents and kids to get moving to the songs they love. Learn their moves or put your own spin on their routines

Older adults

- Move it or Lose it: A series of fitness videos for older people by exercise instructor Julie Robinson

Pregnant women

- This Mom Moves: A fantastic range of workout content for pregnant women and new mums

Recovering from COVID

- Moving Medicine have produced a series of handy tips to help you start building your body back to normal

‏‏‎ ‎‏‏A penny for your thoughts...

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being - it affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make health choices. As we face another lockdown in January, mental health is more important than ever! Here are some toolkits to help you during this lockdown:

- Mind Toolkit: A 'coronavirus and your wellbeing' toolkit with things you can try that could help your wellbeing. It includes tips for staying at home, how to take care of yourself using a useful checklist.

- Yoga with Adriene: Yoga and mindfulness to inspire people of all ages, shapes and sizes

- Meditation for Beginners: Guide for mindfulness and awareness meditation to calm the mind by Pick Up Limes

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10 motivational quotes to get you through the day

- “A problem is a chance for you to do your best” – Duke Ellington

- “Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today” – Thich Nhat Hanh

- “It is only in our darkest hours that we may discover the true strength of the brilliant light within ourselves that can never, ever, be dimmed.” – Doe Zantamata

- “Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.” – Jim Rohn

- “In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plough your anger and your energy into something positive.”– Lee Iacocca

- “Never give in. Never, never, never.” – Winston Churchill

- “It doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you don’t stop.” – Confucius

- “I learned there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead, others come from behind. But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready, you see. Now my troubles are going to have trouble with me.” – Dr. Seuss

- “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on.” – Robert Frost

- “Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.” – Wayne Dyer

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The A-Z of Wellbeing by Evolve and Devon Libraries

"This isn’t about making New Year’s resolutions that will only last a week. It’s not about ‘New Year, new you’. It’s not about trying to get you to start yoga, or meditation, or try one of those mindfulness colouring books. All of those things are great, but our personal wellbeing is made up of much more than that. It’s about our work-life balance, about our hobbies, our friends, family and community, giving time to ourselves and time to others, sharing kindness and finding happiness in the small things.

This month Evolve will be choosing a word each day to match up with a letter of the alphabet – from Art to Generosity, Kick-start to Mend, Tea to Wonder – and they will be sharing stories, activities and projects for each word. There will be videos and music, family activities, community initiatives, things to explore, things to discover and things to get you up and out the door! Find out more about the project here!"