Some may consider it a blessing to be able to work from home. Others find it difficult to concentrate and be productive. With all the lockdowns and now we are at the tail end of the pandemic, there are still several ways you can keep on top of your mental and physical health using exercise.
The Importance of Keeping Active Even During the Pandemic
An inactive and sedentary lifestyle can be detrimental to how we function in our everyday life. This is why regularly keeping your body active is a must. Some physical benefits of staying active include improved muscle and bone strength, increased energy levels and enhanced flexibility. It can also help lower the risk for certain diseases. For instance, the risk of heart disease and circulatory diseases can be reduced by up to 35% when someone is more physically active.
Keeping fit benefits not only the body but also the mind. The mental benefits of regular physical activity include increased self-esteem and confidence as well as reduced anxiety.
How long should you be active every day for your age?
Those who are 5 to 17 years old need to engage in physical activity of moderate to vigorous intensity for at least 60 minutes per day. For adults ages 18 to 64, a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week is recommended. Ages 65 and older should also engage in the same amount of exercise.
10 Fun Ways to Stay Active at Home
As so much of our personal and professional lives take place at home nowadays, it’s easy to let the couch lure us in. So how to stay active all day at home?
If you don’t have as much time to stay active outdoors, you can still maintain your health by keeping fit indoors. Follow these tips:
1.At-home exercises
Stay on top of your workout routine using online videos and apps. You can find thousands of free workout videos on YouTube, varying in difficulty, duration and type of exercise.
You can even try out some light exercises while watching your favourite shows to help you remain active at home throughout the day. Doing jumping jacks or push-ups during commercial breaks can effectively help you burn extra calories. You can also spread out a yoga mat in your living room or engage in bodyweight or resistance exercises as you binge-watch.
2.Yoga and Pilates
Yoga is great if you’re looking for ways how to stay active at home during COVID. With this exercise, you’ll feel energised and active, and your flexibility and concentration will improve. Yoga can also be beneficial in relieving back pain and stress as well as improving a person’s mood.
Aside from yoga, you can try your hand at doing Pilates workouts. Pilates, which has grown in popularity over the past few decades, is an exercise method that improves both balance and posture. Fancy gym equipment isn’t required for you to do Pilates in the comfort of your own home; all you’ll need is a regular mat and you’ll be good to go.
3.Stand up while doing chores
Although it might be tempting to sit on the couch or lay on the bed all day, standing up while participating in meetings, organising paperwork or watching a movie can help you stay more active. It can aid in burning calories and increasing blood flow. Standing also helps keep your back straight and your posture upright. If you’re in high school or college and wondering how to stay active while studying at home, the good news is that you can burn calories by standing up while you review your notes.
4.Clean your home
Cleaning is an activity that serves two purposes at once. You’ll not only make your home look great, but you’ll also be able to get your heart rate up. Work out your arms by cleaning the tub or vacuuming the carpet. Meanwhile, washing the dishes or cleaning the house helps you stay on your feet and be more active.
5.Dance to your favourite tunes
Dancing is one of the best ways how to be active all day during lockdown. Moving to your favourite dance playlist releases endorphins, making you feel calm, happy and more energetic. It not only keeps you fit, but it is also a good way to relieve stress.
6.Try puzzles and card games
Puzzles are a good way to develop cognitive abilities while having fun. Keep your brain active by playing Sudoku, crossword puzzles or chess. By playing these games and continually challenging yourself, you can keep your brain sharp. Another option is to bring out your playing cards, as these could help improve memory and reasoning abilities. You can try solitaire, poker, bridge, gin rummy and more.
7.Read and write
Reading has numerous benefits, such as keeping your mind sharp, expanding your vocabulary and improving your learning skills. To switch things up and keep your mind stimulated, you can try out a mix of different topics and genres. Meanwhile, writing can also strengthen your memory and help you become more creative.
8.Listen to music
The power of music is undeniable. It can instantly uplift moods, set the atmosphere and help people connect. Listening to your favourite songs can improve memory function as well. A recent study found that music therapy improved the mood and cognitive function of patients with dementia.
9.Experiment with new things
Constantly challenging your mind is the key to keeping it sharp, so don’t be afraid to try new things at any age. Whether it’s a new hobby, recipe or language, the options you can explore are limitless.
10.Socialise
The act of socialising can enhance memory and attention. If you can’t physically go out, you can use other strategies to stay in touch with friends and family, such as through digital means. After a long work day, you can host online parties via Zoom or watch movies together virtually.
Staying at home or working from home doesn’t have to mean living a sedentary life. Improve your overall well-being by incorporating regular exercise into your schedule and following our tips above.
At Ridgeway Health and Wellness, we’re committed to supporting individuals on their journey to wellness. Our services centre on chiropractic care, workplace wellness and more. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.