Sleep Guidelines And Exercise Tips During Lockdown

Written By Tiffany Harper / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

The world has come to a standstill as the novel coronavirus continues to sweep across the globe. Economies are taking a knock, entire countries are under lockdown, and our everyday lives have drastically changed.

Naturally, tensions are high, and we’re all worried about ourselves and our family’s health. While we still come to terms with this new lockdown reality, many of us are battling to get enough sleep. Our exercise habits have also been affected.

We might feel like we need to spend money adjusting to our new daily routines, but this isn’t necessarily true. Before you go searching for a memory foam mattress, or decide to buy that fancy gym equipment, take a look at the guidelines below. 

Whether you’re battling to fall asleep, or just struggling to get into an exercise routine, the following tips will help you get back on track.

Set Boundaries for sleep and exercise guidelines

The vast majority of us work from home nowadays, which can blur the lines between professional and personal time. While it might be tempting to stay at the computer an extra hour and get up later the next day, you aren’t doing yourself any favors.

Erratic changes to your usual daily habits wreak havoc on your routine, which in turn affects your sleep. It can be difficult at first, but setting boundaries for yourself and maintaining a consistent schedule will promote a good night’s rest.

Unwind and Relax Before Bed for sleep and exercise guidelines

Stress and anxiety levels are at an all-time high, which is perfectly normal in these uncertain days. We’re worried about the future, our kids, our jobs, and our families, all while coping with radical change in a short period.

That’s why it’s crucial to take time out before bed to unwind and relax. Give yourself a mental break every evening and leave the day’s problems behind. Acknowledge that you’ve accomplished what you could, and prepare to tackle it again tomorrow.

By including a relaxing activity into your nighttime routine, you’ll signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. You could try meditation, which is known for its mental health benefits, or opt for something you enjoy, like reading or listening to music.

Get Some Sunshine and Exercise

With lockdown keeping us at home, we don’t get out as much anymore. However, staying indoors for extended periods actually affects our quality of rest. Melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle, plummets when we’re not exposed to enough natural light.

To maintain healthy melatonin levels, make sure you get some sunshine. Set time aside to go outdoors each day and bask in the light.

It’s also an excellent opportunity to incorporate exercise into your daily schedule. You could go for a walk with the family, or gear up and jog around the block a few times.

Not only will you regulate your melatonin, but you’ll also get your heart pumping and promote fitness. It’s the perfect combination to ensure some proper shut-eye.

Try Something New for sleep and exercise guidelines

You might not be able to hit the gym just yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a decent workout at home. Why not take advantage of the extra time on your hands and use it to try something new?

Lockdown has brought about loads of creativity. You’ll find fun and exciting home workouts for just about any kind of exercise.

If you feel like ditching that boring routine, you could try yoga, kickboxing, or dancing, instead. When you enjoy something more, chances are that you’ll also be motivated to continue.

Use an App for sleep and exercise guidelines

On the other hand, if you need a bit more encouragement to get moving, a fitness app could do the trick. There are hundreds of options to choose from, so you’re bound to find one that suits you.

Whether you’re looking for HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training), strength, endurance, or flexibility workouts - there’s an app for that.

From step-by-step routines and live classes to virtual races and spinning, using an app is a terrific way to keep in shape and shake things up during lockdown.

Sleep and Exercise For The Win

During these uncertain times, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with ample sleep and exercise can be daunting. It’s not impossible, though.

If you set boundaries, give yourself time to unwind, and get enough sunshine, you’ll be well on your way to a better shut-eye. Incorporating exercise into your routine also helps.

You can try something new or use an app to get moving and stay motivated during the lockdown. 

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Written By:
Tiffany Harper is a freelance writer and journalist, an expert in wellness and healthcare areas, and works with Top Essay Writing Services and Top Resume Reviews on these topics. She is among the most appreciated journalists who offers top essay writing services UK on healthcare issues. Tiffany helps people and medical professionals overcome the challenge of the current pandemic.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by bruce mars on Unsplash