Get into a good sleep pattern
No one copes well without enough sleep and poor sleep quality can have a knock-on effect on how you feel during the daytime, including memory problems and low mood. Lack of sleep can also make you less able to fight off infections.
So get into good sleep habits – go to bed and wake at the same time every night and morning. Try to get some natural light first thing in the morning too – go for an early walk or sit in the garden – this signals to your brain that morning is the time for being up and active.
Eat well
Eating well is important for us all, so build regular mealtimes into your routine and set reminders for when you need to drink water. Make sure you choose meals that are well-balanced nutritionally – and try not to indulge in too many treats.
Read more about eating well here
Set a routine
Get yourself into a good daily and weekly routine now so that you can lead a rounded, healthy and active life, with enough time for all activities and appointments as well as fun things, like socialising. Read more about the importance of routine here
Get active
Being active can help to protect you against lots of diseases. And being physically fit will help with balance, co-ordination and flexibility and can help protect against falls or the frequency and seriousness of falls, if you have one.
If you exercise regularly at the moment, keep going. If you don’t, now’s a good time to find something you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be difficult: walking or swimming are both excellent forms of exercise or you could do chair exercises at home or include gardening in your weekly routine.
Socialise with others
Loneliness can lead to ill health and increases the risk of hospital stays, so it’s important to get out and about and build a social life. Try to find a hobby or interest that means you engage with others. It could be joining a choir, finding a walking group or going along to a regular meet up. Volunteering is also a good way of keeping loneliness at bay.
Find out what’s on in your area here