As we settle into life post-lockdown, it can be easy to overlook personal fitness and wellbeing. There has been an increased emphasis on how important it is to look after both over the past 18 months. In this blog post, our private GPs here at Linbury Doctors have compiled a series of tips to ensure you can take the right steps to a happier, healthier life.
As a member of Linbury Doctors, you get access to your own dedicated private GP, who you can call, text or email whenever you need them. With a home visiting service and bespoke approach to healthcare, we put our patients at the heart of everything we do. If you would like to find out more about becoming a member, give us a call on 0333 050 7338 or visit our memberships page here.
Download the Couch to 5K app: A running plan for beginners
There’s a strong correlation between physical fitness and mental wellbeing, so what better way to tackle them both, than with this beginner running guide allowing everyone to access this sport? The Couch to 5K programme has grown rapidly in popularity in the UK since the pandemic hit and with set routine and discipline following this 9-week challenge anyone can achieve this goal. Remember, it’s important to drink enough water and stay hydrated before and after you do any exercise.
Go for a Wellbeing Walk
Being out and active in the fresh air is something often overlooked. Here at Linbury, our private GPs believe a simple 20-minute wellbeing walk daily can be vastly beneficial to your wellbeing. The physical improvements you gain by walking can help to improve your mental health too. If you feel fitter, your body image and confidence can increase too – so it’s not just the physical benefits that you’ll notice when you start walking.
Walk regularly. Invest in your long-term health now and you’ll see the difference that walking can make to your mind, your body and your social life. Walking in a group is a great way to get started and stay motivated, so ask a friend or join a local walking group to get started.
Get a Well Man/Well Woman Health Check with our Private GPs
It’s so important to prioritise health, especially during these times. Becoming a member here at Linbury Doctors provides you with an annual check that is compiled of a full system and lifestyle review (including; family history, past medical history and a current medication review). We also carry out blood pressure, pulse and ECG checks, take a plethora of blood tests, and work out your cardiovascular risk profile scoring. Lastly, we provide extensive feedback so that you’re aware of any risks or advice our private GPs may advise following up with.
To find out more about becoming a member of Linbury Doctors, give our practice line a call on 0333 050 7338 or visit our memberships page here.
Track your Progress
Something else that can really help with getting back into exercise is to use a fitness app that tracks your progress. By logging what exercise you do and when, you can keep yourself accountable and stay motivated to carry on smashing your goals and improving your physical and mental well-being. Strava is a great app to track running, walking, cycling, swimming and more!
The key thing to remember when starting or getting back into exercise is to take it slowly and look after yourself. It might take time to get up to the fitness level you desire but being patient and sticking with it will be well worth it in the end.
Look After your Diet
Improving your eating habits is going to make you feel far better and give you the energy you need to get back into exercising. It’s not just a lack of exercise during lockdown that has left many of us feeling deflated, it’s the takeaways, snacks, and sweet treats being all too tempting, even more so as it got colder outside. Our private GPs here at Linbury believe that implementing a Monday to Friday balanced meal is a great start. Be sure to include lots of fruits, vegetables and fibres within your diet. Healthy meals don’t have to be boring – there are lots of delicious recipes online to get started with. We’re a particular fan of Daylesford’s recipes, which you can find here.
Worried?
If you are worried about your physical and mental wellbeing post the lifting of restrictions, don’t hesitate to get in touch and take that first step. Not a member of Linbury Doctors? You can view the benefits of signing up on our memberships page.
Our Private GPs
Here at Linbury Doctors, we understand that speaking up can sometimes feel like a daunting prospect. That’s why, as a member, you can call, text or email your GP directly. Your doctor will come to see you at your home at a time that suits you.
Our private doctors are experienced in general practice as well as other areas such as mental health. So, contact us to find out more about our GPs or find out more about becoming a member here.
