5 Self-quarantine Activities

As the impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt around the world, necessary precautions and preventative efforts are being made at our Carespring facilities. While self-quarantine comes with its own special challenges, the good news is that you aren’t alone! Despite the many cancellations, there’s still a lot of you can do from the comfort of your own home. Here are a few ways you can keep yourself engaged, stimulated, and entertained amidst the circumstances.

1. Phone a Friend

As we take special precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 by staying in our homes, the days can feel boring and lonely. However, we’re all in this together! Now is a great opportunity to call a friend or family member you haven’t checked in with for a while. You can take this a step further by using video conferencing applications such as FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Zoom which are available on your phone or computer. These applications allow you to talk with a friend while seeing their face on your screen. You might consider inviting a friend or family member to a virtual dinner or happy hour while using one of these platforms. 

2. Exercise

Setting a routine for your day can help you establish normalcy, especially during an uncertain time.  Research suggests that doing daily tasks like waking up, getting dressed, and eating meals at their regular times can help promote positive mental health. In return, good mental health can help nurture good physical health. While we’re cooped up at home, one of the best things we can do is to make sure to move our bodies.

The YMCA is offering free online classes for all members and non-members. You can use your smart phone, iPad, or computer to access these classes and complete your exercise from the comfort of your own home. The classes are organized by category and offer videos specifically for active older adults. Whether you’re interested in yoga or tai chi, there’s something for everyone. You can access these videos by visiting www.ymca360.org.

3. Clean

It’s officially spring, so you know what that means…time for some spring cleaning! In addition to disinfecting highly touched surfaces, you might also want to tackle closets, cabinets, and drawers that have become too full or unorganized. Remember to use common safety practices while you’re cleaning. Avoid standing on chairs, ladders, or step-stools and keep items out of your walking path. If items are heavy, leave them aside until someone is able to help you move it. You can always start your cleaning by sorting through unused or out-of-season clothing.

4. Learn

While you’re looking for things to do, taking online classes or learning a new language are great options. Some websites, like Coursera offer free courses provided by professors from some of the best universities and companies in the world. TED (Technology, Education, and Design) offers free lectures from industry experts. From education and environment to activism and entertainment, there’s a talk for everyone to enjoy, no matter your interests. Interested in learning a new language? Duolingo offers classes on over 30 language. Choose the language you want to learn and get started!

5. Meditate

At some point during quarantine, we will all need to clear our heads. The good news is that you can do this from the comfort of your own home. Applications that are accessible from your smart phone, such as Calm and Headspace, can guide you through a meditation. If you prefer to meditate on your own, here are some helpful tips:

• Start by sitting comfortably in a chair or couch
• Close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing
• Make no effort to control your breath, instead focus on how your body moves with each inhale and exhale
• Observe your chest, shoulder, rib cage and stomach
• When your mind wanders, gently return your focus back to your breath
• Try to maintain this meditation for two to three minutes and build on your time as your get more comfortable with practice