Staying indoors and completely avoiding any contact with other people by any physical means is called Self-Isolation. The spread of COVID-19 has forced social distancing norms on the people to stay safe.
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How Should One Stay Fit And Active At Home During Self-Isolation?
To keep oneself in Self-Isolation means that non-exposure of a person to almost any of the opportunities to be physically active like exercising, going out for work or routine activities, or leisure sports out-of-doors.
What is it that a body and mind needs even during Self-Isolation?
Though Self-Isolation measures are essential for safety, the mind and body of people need to be active. One needs to exercise to be fit, to function well, keep a healthy mental state, keep the spirits high, and prevent weight gain.
Remember, Self-Isolation does not mean that one should sit down for several weeks to do nothing except watching television or reading magazines or leading a sedentary lifestyle. Instead, why not use this Self-Isolation to try out something new to keep oneself fit and active both mentally as well as physically. Try some new exercise, yoga, or aerobics, which for want of time, had been for keeping aside.
Some ways to keep oneself fit and active during Self-Isolation:
The prospect of staying home for an extended period is a bit scary and overwhelming. As per Meticore review, the person is enthusiastic about keeping fit and active, then isolation might be worrisome for him/her. Rather than getting scared of loneliness, try to treat it as an opportunity to try out some new workouts. Incorporate healthy habits into the daily routine and thereby emerge as a fit and healthy person after the isolation.
- Maintain an active routine:
You may be having a healthy routine life before Self-Isolation. Now during Self-Isolation, you can set an alternative routine like setting aside time for some physical activities, reading, watching TV, work from home, and so on. However, it is essential to follow this routine regularly, which will automatically have a good effect on the mental health of the person keeping him or her active all the time.
- Stretching exercises:
Use the floor of the living room or the bedroom to do some stretching exercises, yoga, or even aerobics. It will help in avoiding stiff joints and improve blood circulation. Physical activity will also boost self-esteem, elevate the mood, give good quality of sleep, lower the blood pressure, and keep you energized the whole day. Nowadays, many free videos on yoga, aerobics, and other forms of workouts are streaming on the OTT platform. Make the maximum use of them to get in shape and to move.
- Discover and maintain hobbies:
Remember school vacations? When people as kids were happily indulging in a new hobby or learning a new activity to keep them busy and active. Self-Isolation is the time to explore and discover those hidden hobbies, bring them out in the open, and embark on the journey of following and maintaining them. You can try doing knitting, sewing, embroidery, cooking, creating music, pottery, repairing the furniture, origami, baking, candle making, reading, writing, and so on. Hobbies will provide a new zest and freshen up one’s mind.
- Try out some gentle lifting exercises:
Just like stretching, weight training is also good for the body. Instead of using external weights, use one’s body weight to practice some weight training exercises around the sofa, chairs, table, and the floor. Such strength moves help to build muscles and preserve bone density. It also helps fight osteoporosis, weakness, and fragility.
- Time the various workouts:
Time the exercises with five minutes per movement and an overall bout of 20 to 30 minutes of workout schedules every day. Squats, planks, sit-ups, lunges, and press-ups should form a part of the exercise routine. Try strolling around the room every 30 minutes of sitting, flex the muscles, and rotate the hands and legs for better blood flow.
- Take the stairs:
Whether it’s private property or a building, using stairs is a good exercise. Try stepping up and down the single step for five to ten times whenever you get up to move around. Start with five to ten steps at a time and gradually increase it as time goes on.
- Get creative to recreate the walks:
You can walk at home, create your path of walking. Also, if you feel bored with walking alone, use options like face time and video calls to talk through the walk with friends and relatives. This social connecting will also enhance mental health, along with moving or walking around.
- Be in touch:
Self-Isolation does not mean isolating oneself from the world. Instead, go the extra mile to connect with friends and family through regular phone calls, video calls, or face time. Talking to others will not only help to maintain cognition but also prevent depression.
- Keep the mind active:
Maintaining cognitive fitness is particularly important. So, play games, solve crossword puzzles or Sudoku or math puzzles, and watch quiz-based shows to keep the mind active. Keep challenging oneself on solving a variety of problematic situations to maintain mental positivity and sharpness.
- Learning to meditate:
Meditation is the practice of training one’s mind to a state of mental clarity. It helps in dealing with stress as well as reducing levels of depression and anxiety. Just play soothing meditation music, close the eyes, concentrate on breathing, and relax.
To conclude
It is now scientifically proved that staying active benefits in lifting one’s mood and overall wellbeing. Keep doing one or the other activity. Even in Self-Isolation, one can trigger the ‘happy hormone’ endorphins to get one up and to move.