Improve Your Health While Social Distancing
Social distancing for public health doesn't mean that you can't improve your personal health. While it may be hard to find space to work out (or you just don't want to), consider these 5 quick activities to improve your health. And stay inside!
1. Improve your balance
We don't need to have great balance to go about our daily lives. However, good balance means you're less likely to fall or get injured.
You don't need much space to move around in order to improve your balance. Check out these exercises from MS Workouts or Dr. Oz. Or just practice standing on one leg while you cook dinner.
ProTip: Don't feel like following along with a video? Try standing on one leg, then slowly touch your head, shoulders, knees, and then toes. The slower you go, the more you'll work your balance!
2. Meditate
This one can sound intimidating, but it's really not. Meditating can mean focusing on one thing really intensely or working on focusing on nothing at all. The whole goal is to choose where to put your attention, and to notice how, when, and why your attention wanders. There are some great meditation apps to help you get started.
ProTip: Don't want to use a device? Try just sitting quietly - no headphones, no noise - and staring out the window. Listen for sounds of the street, notice the leaves wiggling with the wind, and let yourself breathe deeply.
3. Stretch
Being stuck inside can also mean that you're stuck in a small handful of positions. At the table, on the couch, in a chair. Make some room (move furniture if you need to!) to get on the floor and do some stretching. You can follow short yoga videos, or call back your memories of gym class or sports stretches.
ProTip: Start by touching your toes and breathing deeply. Lunges are a great way to counteract sitting. Stretching your arms out wide can help with computer neck and back.
4. Organize Your Medical Information
Having your medical history organized and in one place doesn't just help in a crisis - it also makes doctors’ appointments easier. Use this time to make sure you have online access to your medical information.
ProTip: Have you switched doctors? Seen a specialist? Moved? Combine information from all of them into one place with Wingspan Health Need to get online access? Sign up for Wingspan and we'll walk you through it. Learn More about getting your medical information.
5. Make your computer set up ergonomic
We're all likely to be spending more time than normal on our computers while social distancing or sheltering in place. This can cause increased strain on your wrists, fingers, elbows, shoulders, neck, and back. If you've never done an ergonomic evaluation, now is the time. Check out the National Institute for Health's one-pager on ergonomic workstations.
Pro Tip: When you type, your wrists should be below your elbows, and your hands should be below your wrists. Trying moving your keyboard down or your chair up to achieve this position.Social distancing for public health doesn't mean that you can't improve your personal health. While it may be hard to find space to work out (or you just don't want to), consider these 5 quick activities to improve your health. And stay inside!
