The coronavirus pandemic has limited our social time, activities and travel plans over the last six months. As the virus continues to circulate across the globe, it’s important to find ways to stay active and connected to promote overall health and a sense of well-being.
Older adults and those with pre-existing conditions can be even more vulnerable to the harmful effects of Covid 19, making it more challenging to get out and move in the normal ways of the past. With careful planning and small adjustments to your daily lifestyle, you can find ways to keep mentally and physically active, even in the midst of a global pandemic.
Here are 4 simple ways to stay active during the coronavirus pandemic.
Walking
Walking is one of the simplest and safest ways to move your body while boosting your mood and improving circulation. Even a ten minute walk around the block can do wonders for your physical and mental health, and those who must remain indoors can even gain benefits from walking consistently around their homes for periods of time throughout the day. During the Covid 19 pandemic, schedule in time to take walks that suit your own physical needs throughout the week. Be sure to consult your physician first, if you have any potential health risks or conditions that may be affected, and make sure to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others while out walking.
Biking
Bike rides are a relaxing and low impact way to get outside, move your body and take in the view around you. Taking short rides around the neighborhood once a day will go a long way to boosting your mood and immunity, getting you outside into the fresh air and sunshine and keeping you active while socially distanced.
Gardening
Tending to small, potted plants on your patio or inside your home is a simple and effective way to keep you moving and distracted, and the therapeutic benefits of caring for and growing plants are enormous. Choose to create a small herb garden in your kitchen or on your patio this fall, or tend to a container garden of your choosing. You’ll move around, get your hands in the dirt and feel more connected along the way.
Arts and Crafts
Older adults with mobility limitations can still move their bodies, hands and minds with arts and crafts, engaging in activities that improve dexterity and cognitive skills like crochet, knitting, clay molding, painting and drawing.