Stretch Regularly and Limit Screen Time

Undoubtedly, many people who are stuck at home during the quarantine are going to want to binge-watch Netflix and scroll through Facebook and Instagram as a way to pass the time and forget about the current state of the world. The goal of these sources of media is to keep you watching and scrolling for as long as possible. While it may feel inspring to see others on social media, it can also cause you to become unproductive and uninspired thinking "I should be doing more."

Instead start by building small habits!

If you want to stretch more, start by stretching for 2 minutes! That's it! Once you stretch for two minutes you can reward youself with the next episode of Netflix!

Very quickly you begin to build better habits and stretching will become a routine.

Becoming stiff and immobile during the lockdown is a recipe for a serious setback whenever society is able to reopen and engaging in regular activities once again. Stretching will help you to improve your chances of not injuring yourself once you’re able to get back to your favorite form of exercise which is currently restricted.

Check out this two minute yoga flow to get you started!

Use the Quarantine to Slow Down and Recenter Yourself

If there’s a major benefit to society coming to a screeching halt, it’s the fact that you will be able to recenter your focus and attention and learn how to practice mindfulness. Downtime does not need to be a massive burden that is filled with large periods of boredom and restlessness. In fact, you can use this time to surge past your former self and become more grounded and centered.

Just as above, find a quick way to add a new mindfulness habit to your routine. Every day after you finish brushing your teeth, close your eyes and take three deep breaths.

Or try practicing gratitude! After you brush your teeth, say one thing you are grateful for like your family or the food in your pantry or the ability to read this blog!

It’s also important to keep in mind that fear and stress will be a burden for your immune system, something that is vitally important to keep in check during a pandemic. Fear will also make you more likely to engage in activities that are unhealthy for you, whether it be drinking, smoking, or other addictive and destructive activities.

Practicing mindfulness will help focus your attention on activities that improve your level of health and make you more prepared for anything that may happen during this time.

Exercise Regularly and Prioritize the Things That Serve You

One of the most important things you can do for yourself during a health crisis is to continue improving your health and engaging in regular exercise. Although there are stay-at-home orders all over the country, you are thankfully still able to exercise outside, allowing you to stay active during a period of great uncertainty. With any form of exercise, it is important to engage in things that you are likely to want to do more than once, things that bring you joy and excitement. If you hate running, think of something that you’d prefer to do instead, such as biking or even rollerblading.

You may need to think outside of your normal routine, especially if you are used to going to the gym and taking advantage of their facilities. Whatever it is you decide to do, think about creating a plan that will be easy to follow and will serve your overall health goals.

If finding motivation is hard, implement the ideas from above. Start by walking to the end of the block and back. That's it! If you feel like doing more then go for it, but if you made it to the end of the block, then you've succeeded and you're free to go back.

Do this every day and just like the other activites, they will slowly become part of your routine. You don't need to change your life on a dime, the quarantine has already done that for us. You have years to build new habits, so take it one day at a time a few minutes at a time.