Four Ways to Stay Active During Quarantine
Posted: January 19, 2021 | Author: Savannah Byers | Read Time: 2 minutes
Dr. Mark DeBeliso, professor of kinesiology at Southern Utah University, recently co-authored an article on the dangers of sedentary isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Sedentary isolation is a bad combination, harming both physical and mental health,” said Dr. DeBeliso. “While physical isolation and social distancing are necessary, sedentary behavior is not. Get up and move! It does a body and mind good!”
The simple solution to sedentary isolation is to find ways to stay active.
Four Ways to Stay Active During Periods of Isolation
Move more, sit less
Make conscious efforts throughout the day to spend a little bit more time moving than sitting. Even short bouts of exercise has been shown to provide significant health benefits. Try switching locations a few times when you’re working or doing homework, play with your pets, make your bed when you wake up, etc. These little things can make a big difference.
Exercise your body
Putting forth an effort to exercise is one of the best ways to avoid the sedentary end of sedentary isolation. Dr. DeBeliso recommends accumulating at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, such as walking briskly, dancing or general yard work; or 75 minutes a week of vigorous activity such as jogging, energetic dancing or heavy yard work. He also recommends performing muscle-strengthening activities that involve all major muscle groups two to three days a week.
If this seems like too much for you, start small and build yourself up to the goal of 75 or 150 minutes of exercise. Start by playing Just Dance with your roommates, taking the stairs at work, going for a walk across campus, etc. Start where you’re comfortable.
Exercise your mind
Exercise your mind just like you exercise your body. Engage, ask questions, and stay curious. Instead of scrolling through TikTok, try reading a book or doing a puzzle. Pursue the things that interest you, explore new hobbies, return to old hobbies: give yourself the freedom and the space to be inquisitive. Exercising your mind isn’t limited to schoolwork.
Stay connected
Always make an effort to stay connected with friends and family, but especially during periods of isolation. Everyone has been affected by periods of isolation this year and would benefit from social interactions. It’s okay to be the first to reach out and reconnect. Apps like Snapchat and Marco Polo allow you to stay in touch almost face-to-face with your loved ones.
We are all in this together. If your mental health has taken a hit, reach out to the SUU’s Counseling and Psychological Services.
Read the full article, COVID-19: Sedentary Isolation – A Bad Combination.
Tags: Kinesiology and Outdoor Recreation Student Life
