Whilst in hospital you are likely to have been less active than normal. You may as a result in feel weak and less steady on your feet after leaving hospital. This is normal. It is due to a loss of muscle that occurs with a lot of bed rest or sitting. So it is important to rebuild muscles as soon as possible after illness. Being active will help you to recover both physically and mentally.
What can you do to help yourself recover?
It is important to move around and do normal activities as much as possible. Sitting for long periods is not good for your health so regularly stand up and move around or do an exercise. We have put together a list of resources which will give you (and anyone you live with) lots of tips and guidance on how to be as active as possible. You may feel more tired than usual and may have some breathlessness. Pace yourself and do a little more each day.
Resources to help your recovery
We have put together a list of resources which may help you (and/or others you live with) to become as active as possible and to do this safely in your home. There is also some specific information on coping with breathlessness and anxiety.
These resources are all online. If you do not have access to the internet we hope you can ask a family member, neighbour or voluntary support group to print some of the resources for you. Use the links (underlined text) below to access the resources.
Movement and Activity Videos and Live Online Videos
- Make Movement your Mission and iCAN Calendar LIVE 10-15 minute online activity sessions - activity snacks for older people or those who have been less active and want to ease back into movement and activity. Facebook at 8am and 12 noon.
- Make Movement your Mission and iCAN Calendar - YouTube archive of previous 10-15 minute exercise sessions.
- Tune in to 10Today. 10 minute activity sessions on the radio and on TV
- Online videos for people with osteopenia, osteoporosis, or who have had spine fractures produced by the Royal Osteoporosis Society
Movement and Activity Leaflets
- Being Active with a Long Term Condition. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy have some online advice for many different conditions
- NHS Physical Activity Guidelines and tips for older adults. They have a series of downloadable leaflets of exercises to help flexibility, strength and balance
- iCAN Calendar - a diary and a prompt to do daily mobility activities to maintain physical function
- AgeUK Healthy Living. This guide has practical tips for looking after yourself physically and mentally
- AgeUK Staying Steady. This guide has practical tips for keeping active and reducing risk of a fall
- Online videos for people with osteopenia, osteoporosis, or who have had spine fractures produced by the Royal Osteoporosis Society
Managing Breathlessness
- ACPRC How to Cope With Being Short Of Breath - Positions; leaflet
- ACPRC How To Cope With Being Short of Breath - Breathing Exercises; leaflet
- CSP Being active with a respiratory condition
Importance of Hydration and Nutrition
Nutrition and hydration advice for carers
- Specific Corona Virus information
- Top Tips: Staying well when social distancing
- Coping with stress during the 2019-nCoV outbreak
- Free Guide To Living With Worry And Anxiety Amidst Global Uncertainty
- Every mind matters. Expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing
- Nutrition and dietary issues during COVID-19
Specific Information for Carers
Other potential sources of support
- There are other resources available in the media, including television, radio and daily newspapers.
- Keep an eye out for these. For example, many TV and radio channels are offering movement and exercise sessions.