COMPILED BY SUE QUINN
THE EXPERT VIEW
BY RENÉE McGREGOR
Staying active can help manage stress and support a healthy immune system
I
t’s well documented that staying physically active has many benefits for our physical and mental health. Government guidelines suggest that, in order to maintain optimal health, we do at least two-and-a-half hours of moderate aerobic activity or one-and-a-quarter hours of vigorous aerobic exercise a week, plus additional bodyweight or strength work twice a week.
During the current situation, where so many of us have had our usual exercise routines derailed and are experiencing a level of uncertainty, it can be difficult to establish how to maintain staying reasonably active.
First of all, I’d recommend cutting yourself some slack and being more forgiving towards yourself – especially if you don’t feel you have the energy or motivation to train. Many of us are experiencing a heightened sense of anxiety and, while this is completely understandable, it’s important to be aware that anxiety can contribute to fatigue.