How to safely enjoy the outdoors

-
It is possible (and necessary) for all of us to continue to stay healthy and active during the “Safer at Home” mandate, even outdoors. If you are wondering what you should do for your own personal health, below are some FAQs from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Runner’s World Magazine.

Is it safe to do workouts outside?
Yes, but by yourself. Heavy breathing, sneezing, and coughing can get droplets into the air or on objects that people touch, and then people touch their faces. Run or work out in noncrowded areas, for others’ safety and for your own. Additionally, 30-60 minutes of moderate to brisk activity can boost your immune system.

Why is it important for me to be active?
Physical activity can provide immediate benefits. Physical activity can help to boost your mood, reduce stress, improve sleep, and sharpen your focus — benefits that can be especially important during stressful times.

Can COVID-19 be spread through sweat?
According to the CDC, transmission of the coronavirus happens between people who are in close contact with one another (about six feet) and through respiratory droplets, produced through a cough or sneeze—not sweat.

Should I wear a mask while outside?
CDC guidelines were updated to recommend “wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) to help reduce the spread of the virus from spreading between people interacting in close proximity.”
Brian Labus, Ph.D., MPH, assistant professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, states, “The purpose of the mask is not to protect you, but to protect other people from you. If that is the goal, going out solo and avoiding other people altogether is the best thing you can do.”

Are gyms safe for indoor training?
Right now, no. Many cities and states around the country are taking extra measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, which includes closing all nonessential businesses, and on this list—gyms. Overall, be sure to check your local public health recommendations before heading anywhere for a workout. At this time, at-home workouts and isolated outdoor workouts are your best bet for keeping up your fitness routine and helping to ensure your own health and the health of those around you.

How long can COVID-19 live on clothing?
Unfortunately, the risk of transmitting the virus from surfaces like clothing is unknown. But the World Health Organization reports that coronaviruses can remain on surfaces for a few hours up to several days.

Are there any free resources to help me stay active?
The Move Your Way Activity Planner is a great way to identify activities you can do at home! Your local parks department or recreation center website might also have guidance. And you can find plenty of free streaming or on-demand videos to help you maintain or improve your physical and mental health online.
Here are a few resources to jump-start your new physical activity routine:
Resources for all ages:

Resources for youth:


Is there a way to stay connected to friends and family while being active outside?
Practicing social distancing doesn’t mean disconnecting with others in your life. Here are some ideas to stay connected and active while apart:
  • Call a friend or loved one while taking a walk.
  • Post your physical activity plans to social media and invite your network to move along with you.
  • If you are able, take dogs from the humane society on a walk!
  • Get moving with friends via video chat or virtual streaming service. Motivate each other through a virtual meetup while doing an at-home workout. 
  • Get creative with your neighbors! Use a neighborhood listserv or phone tree to organize fun things to see in yards, windows, or apartment balconies, like a social distance scavenger hunt or art show, or a fun challenge like wearing your Halloween costumes on a walk.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Gimme a break!

-
Image
And give yourself one too! Dan Pink is a well-known author who wrote a book entitled  When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing . When  examines research about how we make our decisions about when to do things. It focuses specifically on the timing of our work day.  Pink says that we make the erroneous assumption that our energy levels are static throughout the day. The science says otherwise: our energy levels wax and wane depending on our morning/night person orientation and the tasks we need to do. He encourages us to pay attention to how the "flow" of our day moves depending on whether we are morning people, what he calls "larks" or evening people, what he calls "owls", and to choose the right tasks to do based on our energy levels. He also discusses the science behind taking breaks. He discusses his formula for a great break in this video , but here's the short version. Breaks taken with other people are more restorative. Research sho...
Read more

Conquer loneliness!

-
Image
Working from home, or #WFH to those utilizing hashtags, has presented several unforeseen opportunities and challenges for all of us. While I, personally, have learned to love this new telework situation, there have still been moments of debilitating loneliness in which I have found myself. Turns out, I am not alone. Last year, online brand development agency Buffer conducted a study of 2,500 remote workers, and found that loneliness was the second-most reported challenge , one experienced by 19% of respondents. Loneliness can make people feel less motivated and less productive .  How can we combat this? Be creative in your social connection! Due to this current pandemic, it is not clear how long people will be at home; however, think outside the box on ways to connect to your office mates and colleagues. Try a virtual pizza party, or even a video happy hour (outside of your designated working hours, of course). Trying social gatherings virtually will feel weird at first, but...
Read more

Find your gratitude anchors

-
Image
It's raining outside...again. We are entering day 486 of the stay at home order and I know I am not the only one whose attitude could be better. I know there are many factors and many layers to why I feel this way and why my disposition is less than rosy!  Several years ago, I created a workshop called "Attitude of Gratitude" which was based around the idea of finding ways to be grateful. I occasionally go back to the material from that workshop and use it to help me find the good in situations. So, if you are struggling with the state of the world, the weather, or fear of the unknown, here are a few lists you can make to anchor yourself in gratitude.  1) Make a list of the things that make you happy right now. Nothing is off limits.  2) List the things that you are good at.  3) Reflect on the best choices you've made in your life.  4) List the things you like to do that don't involve technology.  5) List the things in your life that you actually ARE in con...
Read more