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Best ways to stay active at home during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Whether we realize it or not, physical activity does contribute largely to our physical as well as mental well-being. We are chained to our homes because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and more than getting out of the house, it is harder to find the motivation to stay physically healthy, which is completely understandable. For those who are in the habit of working out or engaging in activities that keep you fit, the quarantine must be difficult, but for those who are not in the habit of doing these activities, it becomes doubly important for them to start being active and exercise.

WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or a combination of the two activities. This is of course for those who do not have symptoms or are diagnosed with any respiratory illnesses.

For most of us, going outside the house is a luxury at this point, but if this is something you are not able to do, make the most this by going out for a walk in the morning but not straying far from the house, exercising on your terrace and getting some fresh air.

If you are confined to your house, there are a couple of ways you can integrate some movements into your routine.

  • Don’t sit for too long: Make sure that you try and cut down very long periods that are spent sitting. It does not matter if you are watching television, reading, scrolling through social media or even working on your laptop. You must take 5-minute breaks every 20-30 minutes. Standing up and stretching and can also help during the breaks. This keeps your body active and fresh.
  • Online workouts: Watch workout videos on YouTube, so you can workout along with fitness instructors in the video, or follow an online exercise class.
  • Dance classes: If that is mundane for you, look for an online Zumba or any dance class to make this activity more fun. If you are doing this for the first, find workouts or dance classes that are suited to your strengths and weaknesses.
  • Workout apps: You can download workout apps that give you exercises that are based on your body constitution and history of working out. They personalize the experience of working out, so you do an activity that is best suited for you.
  • Help out at home: Engage yourself by helping out with household work, such as cooking food, dusting and mopping the house, washing the dishes, washing clothes, etc. Divide the household duties among the family members and make sure each person does their job. This is not just a way of being physically active, but it also keeps you busy and makes sure that these jobs are not just one person’s responsibility.
  • Mental health: The quarantine of 2020 can be mentally taxing for all, and to be physically healthy you need to be mentally healthy and vice versa. It is natural to get overwhelmed by what is happening at the moment. It is also important that you do a couple of breathing exercises in the balcony of your house or near a window to calm down, keeping in touch with your loved ones and not feeling overburdened by work. In troubled times like these, we must remind ourselves that no matter how overwhelming the situation might be, this too shall pass.

However, if you are experiencing symptoms that restrict your ability to stay physically fit such as cold, fever, breathing difficulties and similar symptoms, contact your online general physician to know more how you can stay healthy during this period of COVID-19.

 

 

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