10 tips to have fun and stay fit during the stay-at-home order for COVID-19

It’s important to keep busy and remain positive during the stay-at-home order due to COVID-19. Some fun ways I found to stay busy and fit are:

 

Photo credit of coronavirus image: CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAMS

1. Work from home if your job allows.
2. Catch up on reading books you’ve not had time to read.
3. If you begin to feel stressed or fearful, consider prayer, meditation or relaxation breathing. These can help calm your mind.
4. Reach out electronically to family and friends you miss.
5. Discover some great new music and new composers to listen to.
6. Stay physically active with fun dance and exercise videos via stream or DVD.  The choices are endless; jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, Bollywood, Tai Chi and Yoga.
7. And don’t forget stretching and resistance training. Both are an important part of a complete fitness program in addition to cardio.
8. Since going out to eat is on hold right now, consider trying some new, healthy recipes to dazzle your taste buds and alleviate boredom.
9. Consider decluttering closets and cabinets while you’re stuck at home. Prepare bags of unwanted clothes and other items for donation to your favorite charities. Helping others can help us too.
10. And last; resist the temptation to overindulge in junk foods, alcohol or other drugs. You’ll feel better for it both physically and mentally if you maintain a healthy diet, weight and lifestyle. 

Dare to Dance - Follow Your Feet to Fitness

Whether you tango, tap, swing or salsa; dancing is great physical exercise and sharpens the mind due to learning new skills. I have studied various dance forms throughout my life and am always amazed at what a great work out dancing truly is.

• Dancing burns calories and blasts fat.
• Dancing works various muscle groups making them stronger.
• Dancing builds bone mass.
• Dancing improves heart and lung function.
• Dancing is fun!

Whether you’re male or female, young or old; if you are fighting boredom with your routine, take a dance class or two to spice up your life and challenge your body and mind. If you have any health concerns, consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.