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11 Fun Ideas to Keep You Active!

BY ABBY PRATT, CHOP5 NUTRITION BLOGGER

With the recent peak in COVID-19 cases and the looming uncertainty of what’s to come you may be contemplating spending more time at home. There are things to consider when you take a step back from stepping out; and no, I am not talking about stocking up on toilet paper. Your mental and physical health will be affected in ways that can be negative if you are not intentional with your time. Thankfully, there are still a ton of things you can do to stay social and socially distant, and plenty of projects to occupy your mind, body and soul. 

Engage your body, mind and stomach!

  • Designate a take out night – Pick one night a week and make it your take out night. For example: Salad Sundays. You may be worried about how to pick a safe restaurant to order from. A few things to look for are employees following CDC and governor mandated guidelines? Do they have online ordering, curbside pick up or delivery options? Do they offer options that will nourish your body and have a positive affect on your immune system? And bonus points – are they local? (In case you were wondering here at CHOP5,  we have all that going for us.)  

  • Watch a movie marathon – Movie marathons do not have to be completed in one night. spread it out through the week. I suggest taking notes and rating the movies throughout the marathon and see which movies come out on top. You can get your pals involved too, from a distance, and have them marathon the same movies with you. Then share your movie reviews via Zoom or FaceTime. Here is a link to 43 different movie marathon options. There is something for everyone. 
  • Take on a home project – I bet you have that project you’ve been putting off for months! For me it is hanging curtains in my bedroom. Places like Target, Lowe’s and Home Depot have curbside pick up options at most locations. 
  • Start a new hobby – Pre-COVID-19, I felt like I had no hobbies outside of my work life and maybe you feel the same way. Now we have more time at home where we can fill it with something new and for ourselves. For example, roller skating – this can double up as fitness and a new skill! Order a super cute pair and have some fun.
  • Put together a puzzle – the more pieces the better.
  • Play an instrument – Youtube can teach you just about anything. Imagine how much you could learn if you put in 30 minutes a day.
  • Try cooking something new! Order a new cookbook and make a point to cook something from it a few times a week. Some cookbooks I enjoy include Cravings, by Chrissy Teigen, Thug Kitchen (Vegan), Whole30 and Mighty Salads. 
  • Plant a garden – You do not have to have a yard to be a plant lover! There are tons of indoor plants as well. Picture This is an awesome app that will help identify plants and give you basic care instructions. I would recommend getting your plants from local nurseries.
  • Move it – staying active is really important for both your mind and body in times like these. Exercise improves your mood and immune function! There are so many non-equipment options to get your blood flowing. My personal favorites are walk-run intervals (walk 1 minute, jog 1 minute), dance videos and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Below are some links/ideas if you have no idea where to get started:
    1. 30 Minute Caribbean Dance – This video is so fun and I cannot dance at all but I had a great, sweaty time following along to this while holding dish towels.
    2. Outdoor walk –  this one requires you to leave the house and get some fresh air (just make sure to stay socially distant). You could also walk to run errands or pick up your to go salad at CHOP5 (just make sure you have a mask handy).
    3. Couch to 5K –  This app has a 9-week running program that works you up to running 3.1 miles straight. 
    4. Yoga with Adriene – This channel was recommended to me by a friend and it is awesome! She has various playlists like Under 10 Minutes, Yoga for Neck Tension and Meditation. So many practices – all for free.
  • Check out virtual training options at your local gyms. Support a local business and stay in shape. It’s a win win!
  • Foster a pet – Fostering a pet in times like these can help you (and the fur baby) feel less lonely. Having an animal around has positive mental health benefits. click here for a link to Columbus animal shelters that have foster programs. 

I hope our CHOP5 family and Columbus community are staying safe and healthy in these times. What have been some of your favorite ways to stay connected and in good spirits recently? Email me at abbyp@chop5.com to share.

As always, chop well, eat well, live well!