COVID-19 has impacted us all in may ways. No one and no country has escaped. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of the human life and the global economy (Klemeš et al. 2020). The global response to the pandemic of COVID-19 has led to unexpected reductions in economic activity and stock markets (Nilashi et al. 2020).
Our lives as we knew it have changed in practically every way to the point that life now is being referred to as the “new normal”, but what does this actually mean? The phrase appears to cover everything from the way we live, to what we do and to how we move around, whether that be out and about publicily, or within our homes.
There has been a positive impact on the environment and on the air quality (air polution was higher before the pandemic). One of the positives of the lockdown has been the impact upon how people get around. Cyclists and pedestrians across the UK found they had more space in which to travel safely, as fewer people used their cars for work and leisure.
Less trafiic on the roads, rail and air has had a positive effect, but what about the downside of all that? The economy has taken a massive hit in that many businesses have now closed completely, people have lost their jobs, or perhaps been fourloughed. There has also been a huge difference for us moving throughout our community, local areas and also within the home.
At the beginning of the “stay at home” campaign last year, despite the many restrictions, we were encouraged to keep active and it was suggested that we could go out for exercise for up to an hour a day but only locally, we were asked not to drive to exercise. For those who were able to, this was straightforward. It was easy to go out and just walk. With the restrictions back then saying we couldn’t meet other people even outdoors, many excersied within their family groups living in the same household. Next was the suggestion that people try to cycle and finally we were able to meet outdoors with other households, and because of social distancing etc people met and walked or exercised together. The good weather last year helped with this too!
However, those who were classed as “clinically vulnerable” had to isolate and remain within their homes. This has been difficult for so many people especially those with limited contact with their family members or those with a disability. This has in many cases been detrimental in that the lack of mobility and “freedom” has created its own difficulties. For example, going to get groceries and getting around the store by whatever means people used was stopped as they were expected to stay at home. Online shopping became the norm with priority spaces for delivery being given to the vulnerable. Home deliveries took place and people just felt “stuck”. Without any external movement there has been a rise of people with mobility issues becoming worse as the time has gone on, simply because all forms of their usual out of home activities have ceased. This has also led to a rise in people speaking about loneliess and isolation.
Ways you can boost your mobility gradually as restrictions ease
If you are someone who has had to isolate and feel that your mobility has suffered as a result, it is important to start the process of establisihing some normality for you, below are some tips to help boost your mobility gradually which you may like to consider if you are able –
- Start small and try to take a short walk or some form of exercise during the day.
- Maybe consider going to a supermarket and walking around the store with the aid of the shopping trolley if necessary.
- Online sessions are still running and have grown in populatiry. Consider signing up or visiting YouTube for some simple sessions such as basic stretching, Yoga or chair based exercise.
- Make sure you don’t do too much too soon and focus on “little and often”.
- Perhaps book a session at your local swimming pool. The water helps with weight bearing and will enable you to “check out” how your body copes with exercise again.
- If you are struggling, make contact with your GP who can check you over physically if this is required.
Remember you wont be alone in this!
How have you been impacted by this?
If you feel you may need some emotional or practical support, you can contact Care first on the Freephone number. Care first is a leading provider of confidential, professional counselling, information and advice services. Whilst our BACP accredited Counsellors are available 24/7 to provide support with emotional issues, our expertly trained Information Specialists are available 8am-8pm Monday-Friday to provide advice on any practical issues that may be causing you a stress or worry and help you feel more in control of a situation.
All employees are eligible to use Care first, our services include; telephone counselling, information services and online support. Call Care first on the Freephone number provided by your organisation and you can speak to a professional in confidence.
More information
If you would like to view the Webinar on ‘The unexpected affect COVID-19 has on mobility’ this is being delivered live on Friday 25th June at 12pm please use the below link to register for this session –
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1880750239257466891
If you are unable to join the webinar live, a recording of the session can be accessed using the same link above after the webinar has taken place.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. We cannot be held responsible for any actions you might take as a result of it. Please seek medical advice before making any significant change to your habits or lifestyle.