BX Plans looks at 5 ways to overcome depression and anxiety and discusses positive ways to help our mental health during the pandemic. After a year of Covid and living under lockdown measures there is one thing we can all agree on, the pandemic has been bad for our mental health.

Let’s face it we’re all tired of lockdown living. The ONS (Office for National Statistics) recently reported that optimism about when life will return to normal was very low at the beginning of 2021.There are some things we can do to take control and defeat negative feelings of hopelessness. Here are a few suggestions.

1.   One of the Best Ways to Battle Depression and Anxiety is Through Exercise

Exercise is by far one of the best morale boosters. Current guidelines recommend at least 150 to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity, or 75 to 150 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity.

One of the best fitness plans for lockdown living is BX Plans and it was first created over 70 years ago. BX Plans, was used by the Royal Canadian Airforce, and has become the fitness guru for celebs and members of the Royal family for decades. The secret to its popularity is due to its easy to use, no fuss approach to exercise. There’s no gym equipment needed, and no expensive gym fees to worry about.

BX Plans was made for air force pilots who were stationed in remote locations. Their isolated lifestyle prompted the development of an exercise plan that could be done each day for 11 to 12 minutes and create optimal fitness. If you would like to give it a try BX Plans has an 11-minue workout plan for men, a 12-minute workout plan for women and a plan for children aged 7-17.  The 12-minute workout app for women is available to download for FREE for a limited time. If you would like to learn more visit website: bxplans-uk.com

2. Going for Walks and Getting Fresh Air

Getting outside for fresh air is one of the best things for your mental Health. Regular walks in fresh air can help alleviate depression and anxiety.

Due to Covid many people have avoided leaving their homes. But getting fresh air is essential. Studies show that fresh air helps to send oxygen through the blood and allows your lungs to work at full capacity. This in turn creates brain- power and feel good vibes.

3. Are you Getting Enough Vitamin D?

Public Health England have advised that children and adults should be taking a Vitamin D supplement. This is because Vitamin D is needed for healthy bones and muscles.

Most people get sufficient levels of Vitamin D from the sun when they are outside but with lockdown keeping us indoors, we are more at risk of becoming vitamin D deficient.

When we are deficient in Vitamin D we can feel depressed and lethargic. So make sure you are adding the required amount of Vitamin D into your diet. The recommended dose is between 10 – 25 micrograms, or 400 – 1000 International Units (IU) daily.

4. The Power of Positive Thinking

Positive thinking, or an optimistic attitude, is the practice of focusing on the good in any given situation. It can have a big impact on your physical and mental health.

Setting goals for yourself can really help to direct the mind and to focus on something positive in the future. A goal could be painting the bedroom, cleaning out the closet or starting a new business. It’s up to you what you choose but the important thing to remember is to focus on what you can achieve and try and stick to the goal.

5. Sometimes We Need to Ask for Help

Quite simply sometimes depression and anxiety completely takes over an individual’s emotional well-being. Although we may think we can talk ourselves into getting better sometimes we need to ask for professional help.

A recent study has discovered that due to Covid PTSD Post-traumatic stress disorder is prevalent in the general public. Healthcare workers, sufferers of Covid, young people and children, and people in general have all been struggling with the weight of Covid.

Reach out and speak to a professional if you are having difficulty with your mental health.

To learn more about BX Plans visit www.bxplans-uk.com