North Lanarkshire Council understands that the pandemic has had a number of negative effects on both health and mental health for a huge number of people.
Many of us are in unchartered waters and perhaps struggling to deal with sudden feelings of anxiety and stress along with drops in physical activity that COVID-19 has thrown our way.
We are committed to providing a range of programmes and classes which aim to help address these issues and we have created a toolkit with some useful links.
Stay Active
Please remember that If you’re keen to lift your physical activity levels and boost your mood, diving headfirst into four cardio workouts a week is not the best approach if you are a beginner. Experts recommend you start slowly with two or three 20 to 30 minute sessions per week and gradually build to four cardio workouts per week.
The key to success is finding a sustainable type and level of exercise that will keep you active in the long term
There are a huge number of benefits of joining our Active NL membership which our team will be happy to discuss with you over the phone on 01236 341 969, via email at activenl@northlan.gov.uk or via live chat on our website.
We are sure to have the perfect membership for you.
Please find a list of great programmes available in our venues below.
These are fully inclusive and perfect for everyone, no matter what level or ability you are.
ONLINE ADVICE
We have a number of fitness blogs with tips and advice for staying active and improving health, well being and mental health here –
COMBAT STRESS AND ANXIETY WITH EXERCISE
EAT A HEALTHY DIET
Take in foods that are rich in fibre and omega3. These have proven to have positive effects in reducing anxiety and depression. Ensure to always check in with your doctor on surfacing any new symptoms.
Active NL has a fully qualified nutritionist who is on hand to help with advice and resources.
For more information please contact johnstonji@northlan.gov.uk
DO SOMETHING YOU ENJOY
Learning a new skill, sport or hobby can be a great way to enhance mood and activity levels. Pick up anything that you are naturally drawn to, this will help you feel a sense of calm and recenter your focus on being positive. Invest your energy to work on yourself. This is perfect time to realign your routine.
We have a number of fantastic programmes and services listed below:
- North Lanarkshire Libraries – a range of online and in person services available.
- North Lanarkshire Arts & You – with classes including drawing & painting, photography, drama, creative writing and more.
- Motherwell Concert Hall & Theatre – what’s on entertainment including comedy, children’s shows, music and theatre.
Explore and Learn
Getting out and about can be a great way to relieve stress. Explore an exhibition, visit a museum or simply get outdoors. We have a number of venues and services that can help:
- Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life – 20 acres of outdoor space, exhibition hall, heritage tram and more.
- North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre – outdoor space, climb thru time exhibit and viewing tower.
- North Lanarkshire Exhibition programme – a range of exhibitions across North Lanarkshire venues.
SOCIALISE
Get in touch with people who are in recovery as well. This will help you gain a sense of shared experience and will allow you to ventilate your anxious thoughts as well.
The various sport programmes listed above are a fantastic way to meet new people and get more active in a social and fully inclusive environment.
We also offer volunteering opportunities through our VolunteerNL programme, which can be a great to give back to your community as well as socialising and meeting new people.
REACH OUT TO A PROFESSIONAL
If nothing seems to work, then immediately reach out to a professional who can help you with the COVID recovery systematically. They can also help diagnose and rule out any underlying psychological cause.
As we emerge from the pandemic, we face a new normal. We are aware that many people may have struggled with the loss of loved ones. For those dealing with grief, we also offer a grief group to help ease and process those feelings.
ENJOY SOME REST
It it is important to take it easy and take ample rest when starting a new programme or activity.
Taking rest allows your mind and body to reconnect and rejuvenate.
We have a range of Mind and Body Classes running at various venues across North Lanarkshire.
The sessions will look at Posture, Muscle Relaxation, Mindfulness of Breathing & more.
Find out more HERE
