NOTE: Whilst the following article was written during the height of the Coronavirus pandemic, most of the advice remains true. More recently, the cost of living crisis has resulted in a need for many of the same type of information, albeit with more budgetary reasons. See coping with the cost of living crisis for more relevant information, tips & advice.
You might find yourself feeling worried about the spread of Coronavirus and its impact on you and your loved ones. The undetermined length of time that Covid-19 will be upon us. Sensationalised headlines and what seems like endless wrangles of red tape getting the help that you need with your finances. These feelings are normal and it’s important that we acknowledge them and remind each other to look after our physical and mental health.
We’re having to spend more time at home, perhaps isolated from our friends, family and other relationships that we know are vital to keeping ourselves mentally healthy.
It may also be harder for us to do the things that normally help keep us well. And, for those with either new or existing issues with finances – while it’s true that most credit card and loan lenders are being more lenient, calls are still being made by creditors and their debt collection agencies; letters are being triggered automatically on default of payments.
During the Coronavirus lockdown, we are entitled to one form of outdoor exercise per day – walking, running or cycling. However, some parks around Scotland have been closed to stop people congregating – really we should be avoiding going out at all, where possible.
The NHS has published a list of Gym-Free exercises to help.
Here is the Trust Deed Scotland® list of recommendations for home-based Coronavirus exercises.
1. Yoga
Doing yoga on a regular basis can be extremely beneficial for your flexibility, help you boost your strength and improve your overall fitness. If you would like to practise your downward dog in your living room with the help of an instructor, you can do so by joining in CorePower Yoga’s live classes.
2. Dancing
Seen On Screen offer dancers of all levels the chance to learn routines inspired by stars including Beyoncé, Rihanna and Britney Spears by Zoom. Check out their Instagram account for more information
3. Cardio
Barry’s UK, the fitness studio famed for pushing its participants to the physical limit, has brought its intense workouts to Instagram live.
Find out more about the Peloton app on Apple and Android – High-intensity workout classes and it’s a free trial for 90 days. Don’t forget to set a reminder to cancel the trial!
4. Boxing
You can also investigate Boxercise and similar exercise being streamed to your home; however, while its not strictly a Boxercise, you can do no wrong by checking out Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury’s workout. Many other celebrities from the sporting community are helping to keep the nation fit with similar videos, so keep an eye out for these as well.
5. Martial Arts
By burning calories and toning muscles, martial arts help you lose weight and maintain healthy body weight. Stamina. Since martial arts provide a full-body workout, they increase overall stamina and endurance.
Tai chi is a particular favourite of the Trust Deed Scotland® team, also called tai chi chuan, combines deep breathing and relaxation with flowing movements. Originally developed as a martial art in 13th-century China, tai chi is now practised around the world as a health-promoting exercise. Studies have shown that tai chi can help people aged 65 and over to reduce stress, improve posture, balance and general mobility, and increase muscle strength in the legs – making it ideal for our older Scottish citizens self-isolating to also join in.
Other Home-Based Exercises
Good Housekeeping published a list of 25 live stream fitness workouts, which Trust Deed Scotland® also recommends you browse for inspiration.
We’re always on the look out for new recommendations, you can get in touch with us at enquiries@trustdeedscotland.net with any home-based suggestions that can help improve our mental wellbeing while we battle with the coronavirus pandemic. Perhaps you’ve been furloughed and self-employed personal trainer that has been forced to remain closed due to the current situation. We look especially love to hear from you.
Also consider combining your essential shopping trips with your permitted outdoor exercise. E.g. leave the car and walk to the supermarket instead. This is especially appealing us those needing to still take public transport to and from the supermarket. Where public transport, or a taxi is essential for bringing home shopping, you can consider walking there and getting a bus, train or taxi home.
Coronavirus Debt & Mental Health Links
For some people living in Scotland, the Coronavirus outbreak may trigger compulsive thoughts and unhelpful behaviours, particularly if you have pre-existing conditions such as an anxiety disorder or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
If you are receiving support for your condition, you might find it helpful to talk to your clinician, therapist, or other medical professionals. There are also an increasing number of online resources available for you.
Anxiety UK: Help for Health and other forms of anxiety during Coronavirus
Beat Eating Disorders: Coronavirus and Eating Disorders
BBC: Coronavirus: How to manage Anxiety and OCD during the pandemic
OCD-UK: Tips for people managing OCD throughout the Coronavirus epidemic
Rehab Recovery – Addictions helpline
SAMH – Coronavirus and your mental wellbeing
It’s important for our mental wellbeing that we continue to keep our minds active during the Coronavirus pandemic as there is a well-established link between debt and mental health. Government surveys report that in Scotland:
• 16.66% of the Scottish population are living with a mental health problem (Office for National Statistics)
• 25% of the population in Scotland with a mental health problem is living with debt or arrears
• Three times as many adults with mental health problems report debt or arrears, compared to those without mental health problems (Office for National Statistics).
On the basis of these Office for National Statistics figures, as many as 143,500 adults in Scotland with mental health problems may be living with unaffordable debt or arrears.
Debt is not only an issue for people already living with a mental health problem.
Research studies indicate that debt can be both a consequence and catalyst of mental health problems, including:
• Anxiety and Stress
• Depression
• Self-Harm & Suicidal Thoughts
• Strain on Personal Relationships, Social Inclusion and Self-Esteem.
Coronavirus & Unaffordable Debt
During the Coronavirus pandemic, Trust Deed Scotland® has been continuing to help people with unaffordable debts and some of the people we’ve given advice to are experiencing higher levels of anxiety and other forms of mental health problems.
If you do something about your debt today, you can stop worrying about it tomorrow.
Find out more about Trust Deed Pros and Cons and alternatives such as DAS (Debt Arrangement Scheme) in our Scottish debt solutions guide.
Call us now on 0141 221 0999 for non-judgemental, confidential advice. We’re here for you throughout the Coronavirus pandemic & beyond. Our highly trained and experienced debt advisers have excellent listening skills and have helped over 30,000 people in Scotland look forward to a life after debt.