As life in lockdown continues, finding ways to stay connected, to keep moving and to have time for yourself have become more important than ever.
Like many people at the moment, I am juggling working at home with schooling at home which can make for a very long day.
Some days I am logging on at 8am then am still tapping away on the computer at 10pm due to the many distractions and disruptions in the home office/school.
It means more time sitting, usually in not-so-ergonomically sound positions. Places like the kitchen bench have become my desk. While this is proving helpful for cooking dinner, I fear there could be long-term consequences for my posture if this lockdown proves ongoing.
I have been starting each day by hitting the local park for a run or fitness session, usually under the covers of darkness before anyone else in our household has stirred.
This hour to myself is giving me time not only to be active but to switch off to everything else. For someone who would normally get up early and go to the gym, I am finding extreme comfort in the routine.
Many health professionals also understand the need for their members to be able to keep moving and connected through their regular routines.
Infuse Health at Adamstown (infusehealth.com.au/) is one of many local businesses who have had to completely pivot their class delivery in recent weeks from face-to-face to online.
Infuse Health is a yoga studio and movement gym set up by Rachael and Josh Pole. Through a holistic approach, they focus on helping members build strength, improve mobility and manage stress better. All are key right now.
Home-bound members are being encouraged to maintain their daily practices and routines through real-time zoom sessions, pre-recorded classes, breathing videos for stress reduction, 'Are you going OK?' communications, and health and well-being advice.
"We're trying to provide them with as much connection and engagement as possible," Rachael said. "The mental and the social aspects of disconnection during this whole thing is having a huge impact, not just on our community but on the greater community.
"People are on high alert and we're just trying to remind them to stop. Turn off your television. Get off social media. Just stop and get outside and keep yourself moving and breathing. We're just working really hard to maintain consistency for our members because the need to keep those routines and healthy-based habits and living is really important."
Rachael also recommends reminding yourself to move often.
"Set yourself an alarm for every 20 minutes or half hour," Rachael suggests. "Get up, move, breathe, then go back."
Maintaining a health routine could help many manage this difficult period.
Send your health and fitness news to r.valentine@newcastleherald.com.au.
Renee Valentine is a journalist, qualified personal trainer and mother of three.
