How to exercise and energise at no or low cost

Being in lockdown makes it more important than ever to keep ourselves healthy both in mind and body. There are plenty of things you can do to help make sure you keep yourself healthy and there is a lot of information online. The most important thing is to do what works for you.

In a lot of ways keeping our bodies healthy is slightly easier than keeping our minds healthy as we all know that exercise is good and endorphins often kick in soon after exercising, so we do feel the immediate benefits.

In our recent Money Week survey, 30% of respondents reported accessing free online help, so here are some suggestions which you may not have tried.

Exercise you can do at home

One of the obvious challenges is keeping fit when we have lost the routine of travelling to lectures/Uni. Whilst the University sports facilities and all private gyms are closed at the moment, Sport Brighton has put together a Sport Brighton You Tube playlist of some of their videos to help you keep fit at home. If you’d rather go down the celebrity workout route, no problem, there’s something online for everyone  – from Joe Wicks to Bez! Just make sure you warm up and down correctly and always remember to stretch.

If you don’t fancy committing to a whole workout, you could build your own circuit or mini assault course at home – try using a chair for tricep dips and bags of sugar or a taught towel for bicep curls. If you’re waiting for the kettle to boil or pasta to cook, have a look to see what you’ve got handy in the kitchen which you could use to help you.

If you’re sat at your computer all day taking part in online lectures, look after your back, neck and and eyes.

Outdoor exercise

Try and get out every day, even if it is just for half an hour. You can be outside with your household; support bubble or meet up locally with one other person for the purpose of exercise, so going a walk with a friend is a great way to get out in the fresh air, exercise, maintain contact and catch up. Even if your loved ones are miles away, you can still go for a walk with them virtually – by calling them and plugging your headphones in whilst you’re on your walk – good for mind body and soul.

You can have a look at the best places to exercise outdoors in Brighton and Hove outdoor gyms in parks are open

If you fancy a challenge how about starting with Couch to 5K?

The App can be downloaded to Apple or Android devices and you don’t have to run, you can walk and then walk faster, it’s up to you! There are lots of great outdoor spaces in Brighton and Eastbourne to enjoy where is not too crowded! You don’t need a fancy kit, as long as you feel comfortable and your feet are not going to hurt just get going!

Mental and emotional wellbeing

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health,  we are currently being tested in a lot of ways we could never have expected. But, there are some simple things we can do to help ourselves, even just acknowledging that we are feeling low. Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled. Your loved ones will be there for you and you can support them too, after all they are probably feeling the same. Remember to talk to friends, family, your SSGT, or try talking to yourself in the mirror – it can be surprisingly effective!

• Talk
• Keep active
• Eat well
• Drink sensibly
• Keep in touch
• Ask for help
• Go outside for fresh air
• Do something you’re good at

The University Wellbeing Team has put together a lot of Self Help resources which can be easily accessed and we may not be on campus at the moment but the Student Advisers are always here to answer any queries, just email studentadvice@brighton.ac.uk

Student Advice