In an attempt to promote wellbeing and support people in staying connected during COVID-19, Clare County Council has organised a range of different initiatives to look after the mental health of the public.
While it’s normal to be worried or to feel stressed during this difficult time, there are many things we can do to help us mind our mental health and wellbeing.
Staying fit and active is an important part of maintaining our wellbeing. Tim Forde, Sports and Recreation, Clare County Council, says that physical fitness can bolster mental wellbeing.
“Physical activity triggers brain chemicals that make you feel happier and more relaxed. People who engage in physical and recreational activity enjoy better mental health, are more alert, and more resistant to the stresses of modern-day living,” Tim says.
To stay fit and healthy during this time, Tim recommends, “Take short active breaks during the day. Short bouts of physical activity add up to the weekly recommendations. Dancing, playing with children, and performing domestic chores such as cleaning and gardening are other means to stay active at home.
“Take advantage of the wealth of online exercise classes. Many of these are free and can be found on YouTube. If you have no experience performing these exercises, be cautious and aware of your own limitations. Walk. Even in small spaces, walking around or walking on the spot, can help you remain active. For optimal health, it is also important to remember to eat healthily and stay hydrated. Stay fit and stay well. We are in this together.”
Clare Sports Partnership has a range of online resources on its website (www.claresports.ie) for all ages to get active.
John Sweeney, Clare Sports Partnership, says that staying fit and active at the present time means modifying our behaviours and being creative. “In order to now maintain our physical activity levels, we must be more creative in our restricted environments and without our peers, coaches or personal trainers to support us. It must be pointed out, though, that this is also a time of opportunity for people, as they are at home more with perhaps some more time on their hands to get into physical activity”.
Sweeney said, “We have a great resource on our website that is helping the community, that are online, stay active and in some cases return to being active. We are using a variety of mediums to help achieve this such as: podcasts, YouTube videos, activity challenges, diaries and active stories. These can be completed inside the house, in the garden or within the 2km exercise distance.”
For advice and tips on how you can look after your mental wellbeing, stay active and stay connected, visit www.clarecoco.ie #InThisTogether
