During our quarantine it’s important to stay active. It is a powerful medicine for many common mental health challenges. You will feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, have sharper memories, and feel more relaxed and positive about themselves and their lives. Below you will find some simple solutions to staying active even while your at home!
Exercise is not just about aerobic capacity and muscle size. Of course, exercise can improve your physical health as well as your physique, trim your waistline, improve your sex life, and even add years to your life.
Regular exercise can have an amazing positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and much more. It also relieves stress, helps you sleep better, improves memory, and boosts your overall mood. By the way, you don’t have to be a fitness fanatic to reap the benefits. Research indicates that modest amounts of exercise can make a difference. No matter your age or fitness level, you can learn to use exercise as a powerful tool to feel better.
5 tips on what you can do at home
Follow an online exercise class
Take advantage of the wealth of online exercise classes. Many of these are free and can be found on YouTube. If you have no experience performing these exercises, be cautious & aware of your own limitations.
Take short active breaks during the day
Short bust of physical activity add up to the weekly recommendations. You may use the suggested exercises below as inspiration to be active every day. Dancing, playing with children, and performing domestic chores such as cleaning and gardening are other means to stay active at home.
Walk
Even in small spaces, walking around or walking on the spot, can help you remain active. If you’re on the phone, stand or walk around your home while you speak, instead of sitting down. If you decide to go outside to walk or exercise, be sure to maintain at least a 6ft distance from other people.
Stand up
Reduce your sedentary time by standing up whenever possible. Ideally, aim to interrupt sitting and reclining time every 30 minutes. Consider setting up a standing desk by using a high table or stacking a pile of books or other materials, to continue working while standing. During sedentary leisure time prioritize cognitively stimulating activities, such as reading, board games, and puzzles.
Relax
Meditation & deep breaths can help you remain calm. A few examples of relaxation techniques are available below for inspiration.
We are here for you!
In addition, we are expanding our practice during this time to cover basic family medicine needs for our patients that can be met via telemedicine. Appointments can be scheduled for the following:
- Refills for current prescriptions (Blood pressure, cholesterol, antidepressants)
- Antibiotics
- Recent onset of depression, anxiety or insomnia
