Staying physically and mentally active are vital to both your health and sense of well-being. During the pandemic, it can be challenging to find ways to stay active while also trying to stay safe at home.
If your doctor has encouraged you to find ways to stay active at home, you’re in good luck. Getting out for short walks around the neighborhood, engaging in arts and crafts and participating in virtual strength and flexibility exercises can all be done safely and from the comfort of your home and neighborhood.
Before you head out for a walk, you’ll want to be sure you can stay comfortable in the weather conditions and avoid crowds. Wear a mask and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others. While you may miss group arts and crafts activities and taking exercise classes together with friends, engaging in these activities on your own will help to keep you strong and healthy until you can return to your normal routines.
Here are three ways to keep your mind and body feeling their best. Remember to consult your physician before making any changes to your lifestyle.
Walking
If the weather is comfortable enough and you can avoid crowds while out, a walk around the neighborhood can do wonders for your cardiovascular and mental health. The mood-boosting benefits of a brisk walk can help to stave off anxiety and depression, helping you to feel better instantly. Over the long-term, daily walks can help to improve circulation, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and improve your overall heart health.
Arts and Crafts
Adults with limited mobility may find it difficult to get out and around, especially during a pandemic. Many art and craft activities require mainly the use of your hands and fine motor skills, and can go a long way to improving dexterity and cognitive skills. Engaging in arts and crafts regularly will not only boost your mood and lower your stress, activities like knitting, painting and working with clay are shown to improve fine motor skills and maintain cognitive functioning over the long term.
Exercise & Strength Training
Yoga, Pilates and other low impact strength training exercises are shown to improve balance, mobility, core strength and flexibility. There are a variety of instructional videos online targeted towards seniors and those with limited mobility issues, and there are virtual classes hosted online for seniors with experienced instructors. Even five to ten minutes a day of basic strengthening exercises done properly can make a big difference in how you feel and move.