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18 Ways to Keep Your Body, Mind, & Soul Healthy During Quarantine

18 Ways to Keep Your Body, Mind, & Soul Healthy During Quarantine

Staying at home? In the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, many people are wondering what they are going to do during this lockdown or social distancing period, and how they will stay active. If fitness is important to you, you may be trying to find the new normal in indoor routines. The idea of being isolated during these stressful times can be daunting. Fortunately, taking care of ourselves and our health doesn't need to go to the bottom of the to-do list just because we’re indoors. In fact, the World Health Organization encourages movement and self-care during quarantine. Take care of your body, mind, soul, and family with our indoor health tips.

Staying Healthy During Isolation

Experiencing isolation in extended periods can take a toll on our physical and mental health. A disrupted routine can cause us to be unmotivated and lethargic. Dealing with the unknown can also affect our mental health and increase our stress levels. This is why during isolation, people are encouraged to do all they can to stay healthy, sane, and fit. 

Working out can help alleviate the pent-up stress and anxiety brought about by the COVID-19 situation. Cardiovascular activities have been shown to stimulate the brain to produce “endorphins” - aka, happy hormones. 

Ensuring that our mind is also healthy during this uncertain period can help us focus on the present, and take our worries away from the news reports. 

Don’t let the stress of the COVID-19 isolation prevent you from taking care of yourself. Here are some things you can do to be happy and healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually. 

For Your Body:

Practice Yoga

Yoga is one of the best at-home, indoor workouts for all ages.  All you need is a yoga mat! Whether you are a beginner looking to get into it, a seasoned yogi, or a parent looking for a way to keep kids active, yoga is your answer.

Join Free Workouts & Yoga Online

Even fitness class instructors are making the most out of the situation by offering free online workout classes. 

Check out YogaDownload's schedule of daily live streaming yoga classes.

Make Some Time for “Grounding” 

Grounding involves doing a set of activities that allow you to “connect” to the ground. This often includes enjoying activities barefoot. One study points out that through grounding, we can feel calm, and our body can prevent inflammation.

Take a break from the indoors, remove your shoes, walk to your yard and feel the ground on your bare feet. Grounding is believed to be a great remedy for stress as it lowers cortisol levels. 

Have a Dance Party

Don’t let boredom get in the way of having fun with your family. Turn on the music, blast your favorite tune, and dance the night away!  This is fun for the whole family - especially little ones who will love getting to move their bodies to the music.

For Your Mind:

Meditation

Meditation is one of the best ways to calm an active mind.  If you are new to the practice, there are tons of resources available for you and apps to choose from. 

Take Advantage of Free Online Classes

A number of e-learning websites has released free learning resources for anyone who wants to develop new knowledge and skills during the quarantine period.

Check out Class Central’s free Ivy League courses - you have more than 450 free courses to choose from.  Udemy also has thousands of online courses on a variety of topics.  Emerge from this social distancing period with new skills!

Explore Virtual Museums

Craving new adventures? Virtual tours have got you covered. Thanks to virtual museums, you can continue exploring without leaving your home. Discover the British Museum in London, The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, and Musee d’Orsay in Paris with Google Arts and Culture virtual museum tours. 

Read a New Book

Time to brush the cobwebs off our minds with a book or two. Instead of getting hooked on scrolling your social media feed, use the extra time to learn something from a book. You can always check out a bestseller’s list for some awesome book recommendations!

Learn a New Language

Come out of isolation screaming “Bonjour Le Monde!” because you can. This time of quarantine is the best time to learn a new language. Study French, Spanish, or Cantonese with the many language apps available.

For Your Soul:

Destress with Music

Music can do wonders for your soul.  There are so many ways to listen to free concerts or jam sessions – from YouTube to Spotify, you have endless options.  Or find live music streams and virtual concerts here!

Try Your Hand at Cooking

Have you always wanted to improve your cooking skills?  Now is the perfect time! Take an online cooking class.  Cooking is the perfect activity for social distancing – you can practice now and impress your guests once the quarantine is over!

Connect with People that Matter

Take time to connect with your family and friends over FaceTime or phone calls.  Staying connected is important for you and them, especially if you have elderly loved ones who are facing this alone.  Check-in with them at least every other day - talking to others helps combat depression and loneliness.

Host a Virtual Happy Hour

Invite your friends and jump on FaceTime to celebrate happy hour.  Mix up some new martinis, share recipes, and do it all over again tomorrow!  Or host a wine and painting party – and share your new piece of art with a loved one once this is all over!

Netflix Time

Luckily, you can still Netflix and chill.  You can even invite your friends via Netflix Party.  Just pick the show or movie you want to watch and send it to your friends with Netflix accounts.  Then you can use an online chat room to make comments during the viewing.

For the Kids

Most of the ideas above can also be enjoyed with kids, and the rest are some other ideas specifically suited for the youngest members of the family.

Indoor Games & Exercises

No recess or gym class may translate into pent up energy for your kids.  Indoor games and exercises can still get the kids moving. From headstands to obstacles courses and pillow fights, these are fantastic ways to get the whole family moving and having a blast while doing it.

Board Game Night

Pull out those board games and play like a kid again, with your kids!  You may be surprised how much fun you have, and many games, like Scrabble, also help your kids learn in the process.

Arts & Crafts Night

Keep the kids busy and interactive with one of these 50+ arts and crafts ideas.  No special skills or tools required, and most use regular household items that are easy to come by.

Staying indoors during this quarantine period can be everything but boring. Plan ahead and use some of these awesome ideas for healthy, active social distancing that everyone will be looking forward to.

By Julie Singh

Julie Singh co-founded TripOutside with her husband Reet out of a shared enthusiasm for outdoor adventure. TripOutside.com is an easier way to research top outdoor destinations, find adventures and gear from the best local outfitters, and book it all online. You can find her biking or hiking the nearest mountain, advocating for the earth & its animals, and cooking delicious vegan food.

Practice yoga and meditation for free, right now, on YogaDownload.com

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