Routine, routine, routine... and being at home
It will come as no surprise that most of us are not moving as much as usual during lockdown. It feels like our worlds have shrunk - with those who are usually office based finding their environment has reduced to their home and the local park/streets if they are lucky.
Whilst you may sit most of the day when you are office based, you've suddenly lost the walk from the car park to the office, and the trip to get a drink or lunch. The commute from your bedroom to the dining room table or home office, and then to the kitchen to refill your coffee cup means a few hundred steps rather than the few thousand your body enjoyed before.
In December 2020 the British Chiropractic Associate (BCA) published research showing that 57% of Britons have moved less since lockdown began.
Those impacted the most were the 18-24 age group - with them sitting more than usual, and finding it very hard to stick to any exercise routine. They also report poor sleep quality and one in three have experienced back and/or neck problems. Motivation was sited as the biggest barrier to improving routines.
The study reported that going into 2021:
47% wanted to improve their exercise routine
42% wanted to spend more time outside
37% wanted to improve their diet
35% would like to spend more time with family and friends
35% wanted to establish a better sleep routine
In the clinic, we are finding that this lack of movement is having a huge effect on patients' backs. We are regularly sharing tips and ideas to encourage people to move about more each day.
Whilst some factors may be outside of our control, we can make small changes to our current lifestyle. Many of these have a knock on effect, so one improvement leads to another.
Routine, routine, routine is key - something that perhaps the more mature cope with better than the youngsters?
Try these handy tips:
Sit well at your work station - you may not have all the right things in place at home, but try making a few changes to achieve the best working position you can. Check out our video for more tips on how to sit well when working.
Regular walk and daylight - try and get out every day, even if it's only for ten minutes. Granted this may need to be in your lunchtime, but try not to be put off by the cold or rain!
Few regular exercises - just a few minutes doing the exercises we shared last month will help
Nutritious meal - cook something delicious from scratch - most of the supermarkets have excellent recipes with categories for speedy meals, so try something new
Phone a friend! Seriously - ask for help if you need it - you're not alone