How to Stay Healthy and Active During the COVID-19 Quarantine
As the number of new COVID-19 cases continues to rise, more and more people are finding it difficult to stay fit and active while at home. Many of us have become so used to living an active lifestyle, between visiting the gym, playing sports, walking through the city, or participating in yoga. However, with quarantine measures fully in place to help limit the spread of the virus, most, if not all, fitness centers and parks are now closed to the public.
Staying indoors can help keep you safe from COVID-19, but it can also create a new set of problems. Transitioning from an active lifestyle to a sedentary one can seriously affect your health and lead to a lower quality of life. Being physically active helps to reduce stress and boost relaxation. Therefore, without it, your mental health could also be in jeopardy.
According to the World Health Organization, it is important to get at least 75 minutes of vigorous or 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week at a minimum. You can do both, or exceed this number for improved health results. Even when you are stuck at home, getting in the right amount of exercise is easy. Ultimate Health Clinic has some tips that will help you banish sedentary behavior and stay active during your isolation.
Take Breaks for Activity
While you may not be able to run out to the gym to perform your dedicated workout, you can still break up your physical activity into small sessions throughout the day. In no time, these small breaks will add up, and you will meet or even surpass those weekly required numbers. Playing with your kids is one way to stay active, or turn on your favorite music and dance your heart out. Even cleaning the house or working in your garden count towards your periods of activity.
Take Your Workout Online
A lot of instructors are taking their classes online. Even if you are not following your regular instructor, you can pick any fitness channel on YouTube and take part in free classes. Just keep your limitations in mind when choosing which workout videos to follow. Start off small if you are not used to intense workouts.
Ditch Sitting
Instead of sitting down for every activity, try to stand or pace if your activity allows it. If you must sit, take a break and move around every 30 minutes. For those who are working from home, consider using a high table and standing while you work to reduce the amount of time you are sedentary. When you are relaxing, make a point to use your brain in ways that are stimulating.
Your Feet Are Made for Walking
You can walk anywhere there is space. If you have a yard, take a few laps around it to get your heart rate up. If not, you can still walk around your home, up and down the stairs, or even back and forth through the hallways. For those who live in less populated areas, you can walk outside as long as you maintain social distancing parameters.
Learn to Relax
During this pandemic, people are facing longer stretches of stress than usual that is paired with little to no option for release. Learning to relax by meditating is a great way to stay calm and centered in these difficult times. You should also pay close attention to your health, hydration, and ensure that you are eating a balanced diet. It is easy to load up on sugary comfort foods or alcoholic beverages to help unwind. Keep these to a minimum, and instead load up on veggies and fruit. This will help you keep your immune system as strong as possible.
We’re Here to Help
Ultimate Health Clinic is here to help support you during these tremulous times. For more information on staying healthy and relaxed during the COVID-19 pandemic, give us a call at (905) 251-0162.
