5 CREATIVE WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE

While spring is synonymous with days in the park and sunny sporting events, social distancing has many of us staying close to home this year. But being home does not necessarily mean you cannot stay active, have fun, and enjoy everything the season has to offer. So, as the weather warms up, we wanted to share a few creative ways to stay active and have a great spring.

• Start a “new normal” routine.
  Try building your new routine by transferring over some of the activities you enjoyed before COVID-19 moved us indoors. Loved your lunchtime walk at the office? Take a stroll around the neighborhood. Miss your daily gym time? Set aside 30-60 minutes each day to break a sweat with an at-home workout. Keeping a routine helps your brain and body feel more in control of a situation and gives you something to look forward to each day.

• Go to outer space.
  With temperatures warming up, it is the perfect time to take your workout to the backyard or anywhere that gets natural light and fresh air. Changing your environment throughout the day can be a great way to improve your mindset and get some much-needed Vitamin D.

• Get creative with your goals.
  Wanted to run a 5K this summer? You still can. In fact, there will not be any registration fees, and you will probably have the whole course to yourself! Plan some achievable goals and get creative with how you will accomplish them. Whether it is running a few miles through some empty neighborhood streets or doing some naturally heated yoga outside, it all still counts.

• Do something that makes you smile.
  Staying active does not have to feel like work. Put on your favorite music and have a dance party with the kids or sign up for online dance lessons yourself. Whatever it is, doing something that makes you smile is a great way to stay active on a regular basis.

• Try some one-minute yoga.
  Whether you are working from home, watching a TV show, or helping the kids with schoolwork, time can become a blur. Before you know it, you have gone hours without moving. Set a timer to get up and stretch every hour for a minute or two. Maybe give your new pose a name. The “Upward Air Guitar” may not be the next big thing, but you will be surprised how good it feels to move for even just a minute or two.

Just remember: Do not be too hard on yourself.
As we all adjust to our changing situations, it is important to be nice to yourself. That includes not feeling guilty for not working out every day or relaxing on the couch here and there. Remember that mental health is just as important as physical health, and it is okay to give yourself a break.