The COVID-19 outbreak has thrown a lot of us
for a loop. We’ve suddenly found ourselves working at home indefinitely, perhaps
alongside our children who are now also home due
to school closings, and unable to get
out for our usual social interactions. Working, educating and living at home
can trigger frustration and cabin fever, and may also cause feelings of stress and anxiety.
While it’s normal to have feelings of stress,
the best thing we can all do is look on the bright side. Working at home while
also homeschooling children may not be the ideal situation but it is a chance
to spend time together as a family and your lightened schedule may provide an opportunity to recommit to your
physical and mental health.
Here are some tips for keeping active and
engaged both physically and mentally during this challenging time:
How to stay physically active:
Social distancing means limiting your contact
with others - but it doesn’t mean you can’t stay active. Here are some of our
favorite tips for staying up and moving:
Get
outside! Social distancing means staying away from
others, but it doesn’t mean you can’t go outside- especially if you have a yard you can take advantage of. If
you have pets or kids, spend time playing
outside to stave off feelings of cabin fever.
Go for
a walk. Do you own land or perhaps live in a fairly
isolated area? Taking a walk is perfectly OK if you’re able to find a space
away from people. Walking is a great moderate exercise that is not only good
for your heart but is known to reduce stress.
Work
out at home. The gyms may be closed but there is
nothing standing between you and a solid workout! Search the internet and your
app store for fitness videos. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many fitness
communities are offering their memberships for free while we all wait for
things to return to normal. Some popular apps that are offering their services
(and wide variety of workouts) for free include Peloton,
Fitbit Premium and Tone It Up. If you don’t have access to fitness equipment
then you might sign up for the Daily Burn
with daily workouts that focus mostly on body-weight only exercises.
Clean
up. Not many of us enjoy cleaning but tidying up and disinfecting can be a good way to
stay active throughout the day. While cleaning won’t replace your daily walk or
workout, it will keep you up and moving and also give you peace of mind as you
spend more time at home over the next few weeks. After all, who wouldn’t prefer
working and living in a tidy space over a messy one?
How to stay mentally engaged:
Whether you’re working from home,
homeschooling your children or both, you may be feeling tired, overwhelmed and
longing for the days of social interaction outside of that
with the members who live in your household. Here’s how to keep your mind
active while practicing social distancing:
Pick up
a book. Reading is great for keeping your mind sharp.
Is there a novel (or a stack of novels) you’ve been wanting to read but never
seem to find the time for? Now’s the perfect chance. If you’re finding yourself
short on reading materials, check out digital book options. Many libraries
throughout the country are offering free digital book downloads and you can
always find digital options on Amazon.
Try
something new. Is there a hobby you’ve always wanted
to try your hand at? Or a recipe that you’ve wanted to attempt but didn't have
the time for? There’s no time like the present! If you’re feeling crafty, Brit + Co is offering all of their classes for free through March with
the code SELFCARE at checkout.
Rededicate
yourself to your hobbies. Maybe you already have
plenty of hobbies. In which case, use this time to get back to doing the things
you love. Maybe that’s playing an instrument, woodworking, knitting or doing
crossword puzzles. Keep your mind busy by refining your skills!
Journal
your thoughts. We’re living through an unprecedented
period in time. Journal your thoughts and feelings as a coping method to relax
and also log your own story.
One day this period of time will be written about in the history books and your
narrative could very well be appreciated by generations to come.
Above all else, remain positive. We’re dealing
with COVID-19 together, across the world. We will get through this. In the
meantime, take a breath, relax and make the most of your time at home.
