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A new temporary normal requires new habits and some creative thinking for your physical wellness. Now that many of us are learning and work remotely full-time, need to take care of young and old family members during working hours, are feeling stuck or isolated, are separated from loved ones, and have reduced options for regular physical exercise and social activities, we must think differently and creatively about ways to keep healthy. Here are some tips and resources:
Exercise Ideas
Do not exercise if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Stay home and rest, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
If you are able to go for a walk or bicycle ride always practice physical distancing and wash your hands with water and soap before you leave, when you get to where you are going, and as soon as you get home. If water and soap are not immediately available, use alcohol-based hand rub.
If you go to a park or public open space to walk, run or exercise always practice physical distancing and wash your hands with water and soap, before you leave, when you get to where you are going, and as soon as you get home. If water and soap are not immediately available, use alcohol-based hand rub. Follow the directions of your local health authority in regard to any restrictions on the number of people with you and/or restrictions on the use of public outdoor play or exercise equipment.
If you are not regularly active start slowly and with low intensity activities, like walking and low impact exercises. Start with shorter amounts, like 5-10 minutes, and gradually build up to 30 minutes or more continuously over a few weeks. It is better and safer to be active for short periods more frequently than to try and be active for long periods when you are not used to it.
Choose the right activity so that you reduce the risk of injury and that you enjoy the activity. Choose the right intensity according to your health status and fitness level. You should be able to breath comfortably and hold a conversation while you do light- and moderate-intensity physical activity.
Below are resources for continuing exercise routines while at home:
Indoor Fitness Tips for Parents
Family Fitness Day: Healthy Activities for the Whole Family
Simple Obstacle Course for Kids
Animal Inspired Yoga for Kids (Video)
Ideas for Working Out at Home for Kids and Adults
Yoga for Kids Ages 3+
Play a Dance Game with Your Computer and Smartphone
Article on What Outside Activities are Safe During COVID-19
Find Movement and Mindfulness Videos at GoNoodle
Nutrition Ideas
It's important to minimize our excursions to the grocery store to limit the spread of COVID-19. Consider online grocery shopping or home delivery options. Set on selecting your own items? Maintain a safe distance between yourself and others (at least 6 feet), wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes, avoid touching your face, and wash your hands before and after shopping.
With grocery stores limiting the purchase of specific items and advising people shop less often, eating well can be difficult. Make it more manageable with these strategies:
Purchase shelf-stable and frozen foods. Staples such as frozen and canned produce, beans, and lentils will keep longer and are easy to incorporate into recipes.
Take inventory of the items in your kitchen and get creative with cooking. Choose a recipe site where you can plug in ingredients you have on hand and see what pops up. (You can also browse our collection of tasty, healthy recipes.)
Pay attention to portion sizes. When we're cooped up inside, it's easy to overindulge. Try to maintain your regular eating habits as much as possible and minimize your reliance on takeout and drive-thru options.
Cleaning Ideas
It is important to clean our hands (for 20 seconds) regularly and often touched surfaces in our homes.
The CDC offers advice on cleaning your home during COVID-19 that includes everyday cleaning and when someone is sick in your household, Click Here
Social Distancing
What is social distancing?
Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing:
Stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) from other people
Do not gather in groups
Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings
For tips from Mission Hospital on coping with social distancing, Click Here
For 5 tips for coping with social distancing, Click Here
For more information about stopping the spread of COVID-19, Click Here
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