Keeping a Healthy & Active Lifestyle During COVID-19 Quarantine
Categories: Exercises / General Orthopedics
Right now, the vast majority of us are stuck indoors. As the COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold, we’re practicing social distancing to try and preserve our health and the health of others. With the exception of essential workers, we’re all doing our best to cope with life indoors.
For those of us who prefer active lifestyles, dealing with quarantining is difficult. However, just because you’re indoors doesn’t mean you can’t maintain your normal physical activity. As Long Island’s leading orthopedist group, we obviously encourage staying active as much as possible. There are plenty of ways to stay active throughout this period of social distancing. Below, you’ll find some helpful tips for keeping an active and health lifestyle during quarantine.
1. Develop & Stick to a Routine
At the moment, most of our normal routines have gone totally out the window. Our schedules as we know it have been completely upended. However, that just means it’s time for you to develop a new routine! There are plenty of alternatives you can apply throughout quarantine.
Even though you can finally sleep as late as you like, it’s definitely best to avoid that. Essentially, you should do your best to stick to your normal sleep routine. Additionally, you should have a nutritious breakfast every morning, shower regularly, and acclimate to a similar routine to preserve your mental and physical health. Basically, you should treat every day as if it’s work day, with the same kind of stringent routine.
2. Make Sure to Stretch Often
Obviously, at Central Orthopedic Group, we can’t recommend stretching enough. Several orthopedic injuries can be avoided with simple stretches. You should stretch on a regular basis, not just lay on the couch burning through the Netflix catalogue.
Additionally, you should incorporate stretching into the daily routine you establish. If you must, set a reminder a few times a day so you don’t forget. Stretching a few times a day can prevent stiff joints, strains, sore muscles and maybe even orthopedic injuries.
3. Come Up With a Regular Home Workout
Just because the gym isn’t an option right now doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. In fact, there are more home workout options now than ever. Also, you don’t need a home gym or expensive exercise equipment. Basically, all you need is an internet connection!
There are countless home workout videos available for free on YouTube. Essentially, you can choose between cardio, yoga, push-ups, pull-ups, etc. Your options are completely unlimited. Just remember to keep yourself hydrated!
4. Find Active Hobbies
In this period of social distancing, hobbies are imperative. We all need to find ways to keep ourselves busy and active. This isn’t just important for your body, but your mind as well. It’s especially beneficial if you can manage to find a hobby that keeps you moving.
These hobbies don’t necessarily need to make you sweat to be considered “active.” Even the smallest kind of movement – like knitting or painting – can exercise your hands and be enormously beneficial for dexterity or arthritis. Essentially, it doesn’t matter how much you move, as long as you’re in motion!
Conclusion – Stay In, Stay Safe!
We’re all going through a very difficult period right now. However, it’s important to stay healthy and active in order to weather the storm. At Central Orthopedic Group, we sincerely hope you and your family stay safe and healthy throughout this time of uncertainty. And remember: stay in whenever possible and wash your hands!