How To Stay Active During Quarantine — With another stay-at-home order introduced here the other day, it’s a reminder of how we’re still very much in the middle of a pandemic. I’m trying to remain hopeful for better times to come, but remaining hopeful is a lot harder to do when the sunshine is calling my name and I’m stuck inside. Oh, sweet sunshine, how long I’ve waited for you!
One thing that helps me get through this strange time we’re living in is by sticking to some sort of normalcy. We are in a very different world right now, and I’m just yearning for more of the same of what it used to be – like barbeques with friends and family, outdoor concerts, going to the movie theatres – things like that. (Note to self: never, ever, EVER take these things for granted again.)
I know we can’t do all of the things we love and miss………yet. (We’ll get there, I know we will.) But that doesn’t mean we can’t get creative and find other, safer ways to bring back some sense of normal into our lives. And, for me, normal this time of year means getting outdoors and being active.
Although we can still get out and exercise as per our stay-at-home order, I’ve also been looking for other ways to stay active indoors for when I’m not able to get out or not feeling safe enough to do it yet. Are you looking for how to stay active during quarantine? Here are 6 ways I like to stay active during this pandemic.
A little note: I struggle with serious fitness stuff like weights and squats and lunges and push-ups. I mean, I’d love to be able to do it but can never follow through and just end up giving up. I also don’t know much about it and always feel like I’m doing it all wrong and probably just hurting myself, which is why I turn to the fun stuff. You know, the stuff that doesn’t really feel like exercise. So, if you’re also into the fun stuff, peek through my list below.
How To Stay Active During Quarantine
1 – Dance Your Heart Out
[stay-at-home approved ✓]
I’ve for sure started to do this more during the pandemic. I mean, how can one not dance when a really, really great song is on?? And a really, really great song is always on! Whether you’re dancing around your room in the mornings or following along to a dance routine online, dance is such a fun way to get active when you’re stuck indoors. It’s also a great way to loosen up and not take things too seriously.
I like to follow along to a dance workout online when I’m feeling anxious because it helps me re-focus my energy into something fun and positive.
Read more: 10 Dance Workout Videos on YouTube To Try Today
By the way, who else has gained a newfound appreciation for music during this pandemic?? I’ve always loved it, but I NEED it now. It helps me get through the day, and it makes me so happy. It’s on when I’m cooking, cleaning, working – all the time. What’s one song you’ve got on repeat these days?
Over the Easter weekend, I had a 90’s playlist on and heard all of the greats again. I’m talking Mariah Carey’s Hero, Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You, Savage Garden’s Truly Madly Deeply – the greatest EVER! I didn’t realize how much I missed them. So, I’ve had my favourite 90’s hits on all day. You?? Let me know in the comments below!
2 – Do More Yoga
[stay-at-home approved ✓]
You know yoga just had to be on my list of how to stay active during quarantine. It’s another one of my anxiety helpers. It always works at bringing my worried wandering mind to the present moment. And even though I’m pretty terrible at it (I’m definitely not getting the poses perfectly right!), the process is what means the most – the breathing through, the mindfulness of it all – that’s what has the most impact. So, don’t be afraid to give it a go! I say that as someone who was so intimidated by yoga for the longest time. Just give it a try, and see how you feel. You just might love it.
Read more: 11 Best Yoga YouTube Channels For Beginners
3 – Walk It Out
[outside + social distancing]
I have been a walker forever. If I’m able to, I will walk there. To work, to school, to the grocery store, to my appointments – everywhere.
Although it’s a form of staying active, walking is all mental for me. As someone with anxiety, walking just calms me down – again and again. It helps me blow off some steam after a stressful meeting. It helps calm my nerves before a nerve-racking appointment. It’s also an opportunity to listen to music, phone a friend, or have some other form of break throughout my day. It does it all.
The Takeaway: When all else fails, go for a walk. Of course, if you’re able to do so safely and away from others (which, I know, can be kinda impossible on busy downtown streets.)
4 – Go Jogging
[outside + social distancing]
I started jogging/running a few years ago, and it’s another one of my favourite ways to stay active. It’s probably the one I do the most. It varies, but I’m mostly doing a 30-minute jog each morning. It gives me the greatest burst of energy before starting my day. And when I don’t start my day with it, I definitely notice. I’m not able to focus as well or get through as many things on my to-do list.
Like walking, the thing about jogging is you can do it anywhere. I like to jog around my block. But if I’m not able to get outdoors, I just jog at home – from one side of the house to the other. As silly as it sounds, it does the trick and keeps me feeling mentally and physically well.
5 – Ride Your Bike
[outside + social distancing]
I don’t bike nearly as much as I’d like to. A few years back, I bought this cute little white bike with every intention of riding it. But it’s been in the garage ever since. Not what I hoped would happen.
I remember how much I loved riding my bike growing up. Racing to see how fast I could go, the wind in my hair – so freeing, so fun, it was beyond my favourite thing to do. I loved it. And I miss that feeling.
I really want to start biking again soon – even if it’s just around the neighbourhood. It’s another one of those can’t-tell-you’re-exercising-because-you’re-having-too-much-fun kind of things. And I’m all for doing more of that.
6 – Get Your Stair On
[stay-at-home approved ✓]
Last but not least, your stairs – the workout gems hidden in plain sight!
I have never appreciated my stairs as much as I do now. I put on my headphones, blast my favourite tunes, and just do flights. Up and down. Up and down. Over and over again. I do this for about 20 minutes in the morning, and I feel like I’ve gotten an official workout in. I break a sweat, and it energizes me as I start the day. It feels great.
No stairs inside? Use the ones at a nearby park (while maintaining social distancing!).
Your thoughts on how to stay active during quarantine?? What’s your favourite thing to do?
Have a good one, loves!
