How to Stay Physically Healthy If You're Quarantining This Summer

This summer is shaping up to be rather different than summers of the past. Although some states are starting to reopen after COVID-19 closures, many families are hesitant to resume their normal lives. Whether you’re planning on spending more time at home this summer because businesses and activities are still closed in your area or you’re not quite comfortable venturing out into the world yet, you now face the challenge of keeping your family healthy with more limited resources.

Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do with your family to keep everyone active and physically healthy without having to interact with the outside world. Let’s take a look at some of the most helpful tips for maintaining your physical health if you are quarantining at home this summer.

Take Online Exercise Classes

One positive aspect of this quarantine is that we have technology at our disposal to keep us connected to the resources we rely on. Many people, particularly adults in the largest gym-going demographic of ages 20 to 64, got their physical activity in by going to the gym to work out or take classes. A good portion of gyms across the country are still closed, but gyms and trainers everywhere have started offering online exercise classes.

With these virtual classes, you can follow a workout routine from the comfort of your living room. Some classes stream live so that you can keep up with the workout in real time and others are pre-recorded videos that you can stop and start according to your pace. These exercise videos are a great way to stay physically active and you can involve the entire family in them. Pick out some videos that are easy enough for the kids to do too and you’ll be keeping everyone active during quarantine.

Go on Walks

Walking is a great way to remain active. Adults should try to be active every day and aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity over a week through a variety of activities. Going on walks a few times a week is the perfect way to switch up your physical activity and exercise in a way that is a bit more relaxing. If you have sidewalks in your neighborhood and can maintain a safe distance from other people enjoying the outdoors, get your family together to go out for walks in the evenings. If your neighborhood isn’t suited for walking, drive to a nearby park or beach to get some exercise in the fresh air.

You can also try to incorporate walking into your work day. If you’re working from home and have a call with a colleague or client, trying walking around your workspace while you speak instead of sitting down. Even though you’re walking around a relatively small space, this exercise will get your blood moving and help you stay physically healthy.

Visit Your Doctor

Many medical facilities closed when the pandemic first began, only seeing patients for essential visits and appointments. Now, however, doctors have had time to put procedures in place that allow them to see patients while keeping everyone safe from the virus. If you or someone in your family has a doctor’s appointment coming up, call their office to see if you can keep the appointment. You should visit a doctor at least once a year for an annual physical, just to make sure that there isn’t anything wrong. Whenever possible, it is important to maintain this regularity.

If you’re hesitant to visit the doctor in person, consider asking if they’re scheduling virtual appointments. Telemedicine allows doctors to talk with you over video chat and evaluate your health. While they may not be able to take your vitals, they can ask you important questions about your health and you can bring up any concerns that you have. These types of appointments can be a great form of preventative care.

There are many different aspects to your health and it is important that you care for each one. While you focus on getting enough exercise for your physical health, remember to think about your mental and emotional health as well. Take time to relax or meditate when you need to and reach out to friends, family, or a therapist if you’re struggling with your mental health in these stressful times. By caring for one another, we’ll be able to make it to the other side of this pandemic.