Advertorial How to stay active at home during the COVID-19 lockdown

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How to stay active at home during the COVID-19 lockdown

 

 

 

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise throughout the world, many of us are staying at home in self-quarantine and practicing social distancing. In Thailand, fitness centers, public parks, and other areas where people are usually active are temporarily closed. As many of us are starting to realize, staying at home for a long time can make it difficult to stay physically active. However, the positive effects of exercise on the body and mind are what we need now more than ever. 

 

Our friends at Pacific Prime Thailand are here to share some tips on how to stay active at home during the COVID-19 lockdown. 

 

Why you should stay active during self-quarantine

Low levels of physical activity and sedentary behavior can have adverse effects on health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life. The additional stress of self-quarantine, and current events in general, also challenges your mental health. Physical activity is one of the most effective and valuable tools to help you stay calm and put your health first, along with relaxation techniques such as meditation and deep breathing. 

 

According to WHO guidelines, adults between the ages of 18 and 64 years old should engage in 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity or 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity weekly, or a mixture of both. It’s possible to achieve these recommendations even in the comfort of your own home, with limited space and no gym equipment. 

 

Tips to stay active at home

The following tips will help you add some movement to your day, regardless of how much equipment or space you have. 

 

Use the internet as your personal trainer 

The internet is full of online workouts, fitness advice, exercise courses, and more, and now is the ideal time to take advantage of them. You can find many classes for free on YouTube, along with dedicated fitness sites. Some examples of popular exercises you can try include weight lifting, pilates, and yoga.

 

However, unless you’ve signed up for online personal training or coaching, you will have to be more cautious when attempting to perform these exercises on your own. Always practice good form and respect your own limitations to avoid injury and get the most out of your workout.

 

Get your steps in 

Walking is an activity that can be done virtually anywhere. You can walk around if you have the space for it or walk on the spot if space is limited. Steep steps and stairs are also a great option. Think of activities you can do while walking around instead of staying seated. For instance, you can easily walk around during your phone call.  If you choose to go outdoors for a walk, make sure you practice social distancing by staying at least one meter away from others. 
 

Stand up as often as possible 

You can cut back on your sedentary time by getting up every so often. Ideally, you want to stand up after sitting or reclining for thirty minutes, but any effort is better than none. Standing desks can also help you switch between sitting and standing while still allowing you to work. Even though you can purchase readymade standing desks, you can just as easily make one at home by stacking books or using a high table. 

 

Do some housework

Many people don’t actually enjoy doing chores around the house, such as cleaning the kitchen or doing the laundry. However, you might find motivation in knowing that housework can also help burn calories and help you get fit. With that said, some chores offer more of a workout than others, such as mopping, vacuuming, and decluttering. 

 

Stay healthy while staying home

Aside from physical activity, you’ll also want to eat healthy food and stay hydrated for optimal health. Swap sugary drinks for water and cut back on, or completely eliminate, alcoholic beverages to boost your health. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will do much more good to your body than refined foods, sugar, salt, and fat. By following the tips above, you can come out of self-quarantine with a healthier body and mind. 

 

As a leading insurance broker, Pacific Prime offers health insurance in Thailand and across the globe. Whether you’re looking for expat health insurance, family health insurance, or travel insurance, Pacific Prime can help you find the ideal plan for your needs and budget. Contact Pacific Prime Thailand for a free quote and plan comparison today.