Staying Active During Quarantine
Keeping your body and mind active and engaged is important for your mental health. I’m here to share some tips and ideas that work for me. Hopefully this gives you a boost of inspiration!
Changing Routines
I don’t know about you, but I have found it challenging to be motivated through quarantine. Things are different; we don’t have access to our gyms, we aren’t able attend the classes we love and we also can’t meet with friends for a beautiful hike (Lapham Peak is my favorite) on a warm morning.
Typically, I have a pretty solid routine… well as much of a routine as I could have with a puppy and a 15 year old at home!
Because of the quarantine and social distancing, I had to push myself to be active. I’m here to share some tips and ideas that have worked for me just in case you need a little inspiration like I did!
Finding Inspiration
If you want to work your arms, they have ideas. Legs? They’ve got your back! Whether you want a light and easy yoga routine or to train for your first 5k, it’s all there for you.
No weights? No problem!
You can find multiple items in your house that could work. Here’s 3 options to try!
- For example, try spaghetti sauce jars or water bottles as hand weights.
- Fill a backpack with books for squats and overhead presses.
- Use the couch or a chair for tricep dips.
Don’t forget! You can always use your body as a weight, too.
Local gyms and trainers
There are tons of trainers and gyms offering options for free classes via social media. Search your favorite gym and see what they have. Here are some of my favorites to give you some ideas: Shred415, Les Mills, Orange Theory.
Dog walking
Lastly, we’ve come to a really good mood-booster!
I’ve walked my dog Luna 1.5-4 miles per day, depending on the weather. It’s good for her AND me! I love to get outside in the fresh air and listen to my favorite jams or a new book on Audible!
If you don’t have a dog, maybe an elderly neighbor or you know someone in the healthcare field has one you could help with. Not only would you be getting outside for a refreshing walk, but you’d be doing a small act of kindness as well, and that goes a long way!
Even if you’re getting outside on your own, that’s ok! Throw those earbuds in and pump up the music or be with nature and use it as a time to reflect.
Staying Connected
Sometimes I feel very motivated and sometimes I do not. When I need a little extra push I have found that talking to a friend about it can help. Taking a scroll through social media to see what everyone else is doing always creates inspiration and motivation for me!
As Rachel Hollis mentions regularly- sometimes all you need to do is a countdown to get going. It’s as easy as counting down to yourself “5, 4, 3, 2, 1… GO!” Get up and jump around! Change your body language and get moving. Jog in place, do a few jumping jacks or dance out some of your best moves.
Whatever you do, just get up and start getting the energy going. Maybe you’ll dance with the kiddos while listening to Disney tunes or maybe you’ll decide to start training for your first 5k.
I hope this has given you a few ideas for how to keep staying motivated! Remember: no matter what you decided to do, getting your heart rate up and moving your body is so good and refreshing for the mind, body and soul.
I can’t wait to see you back in the salon and I welcome any inspiration you have! I’d also love to hear your comments on what has been working for you.
We’re all in this together!
