Tips for Staying Active While Social Distancing

Keeping active while practicing social distancing and self-quarantining is important for both your physical and mental health. As tempting as it can be, you shouldn’t spend all day indoors watching streaming services. Mix things up daily to keep things interesting and avoid boredom. Here are a few ideas to get you up and moving.

Social distancing doesn’t mean you cannot go outside, but you should not if you are experiencing an acute upper respiratory illness (symptoms include: sore throat, cough, fever, runny nose, shortness of breath) or going against your doctor’s orders. Going outside brings with it a lot of opportunities for staying active, getting fresh air, and plenty of sunlight. This includes going for walks/runs, riding your bike, walking your dog, going to the park, etc. Just make sure to follow social distancing guidelines and keep a respectable 6ft distance from anyone else. When you return home, it is highly encouraged that the first thing you do is wash your hands upon returning home.

While being self-quarantined is the preferred method of combating the virus, we know that families, especially families with smaller children, are still having to interact in certain situations. In those cases, it is a good idea to make sure the families you and your children interacts with have not traveled recently – especially to a hotspot for COVID-19. Communicate with others to make sure they are following the same safe practices as you. Limiting who your children play with will reduce the chances of germs and illnesses spreading. Before kids play with others, parents should ask how they are feeling and take their temperature just to be safe.

If you are staying indoors, there are plenty of little things you can do to stay active. If you have stairs, walk up and down them for period that you set. You can also walk laps through and around your house. Find exercises that don’t require equipment like jumping jacks, pushups, crunches, etc. Children can also find benefit from doing these types of exercise. Search video sites like YouTube for fun dances your young kids can do to burn their pent-up energy.

Social distancing is important in the fight against coronavirus, but it is important to not feel cramped and shut in. No matter what you do to pass the time, make sure to do so smartly and in a way that doesn’t have a chance at spreading germs. Most importantly, if you feel sick stay home.