Healthy Activities While Social Distancing

Healthy Activities While Social Distancing

Healthy Activities While Social Distancing

By now, you’ve heard about the COVID-19 pandemic. Who hasn’t? As the virus continues to make its way across the United States, leaders are urging people to stay at home and practice social distancing.

For introverts, this is like a dream come true (minus the infectious virus part). However, others are finding it hard to stave off boredom as they are stuck at home.

Whichever side you lie on, it can be difficult to stay entertained when you’re unable to go out and do the activities that you’re used to. Fortunately, there are some healthy options that you can indulge in from the comfort of your home while practicing social distancing. But first, what does that mean?

What is Social Distancing?

The past week has been incredibly disappointing for many people. From the cancellations of events to the suspension of almost every professional sports league and even bans on large gatherings, the COVID-19 outbreak is forcing a mandatory lifestyle change for people around the world.

Top health organizations like the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that everyone practices social distancing. This means that people should increase the physical space between themselves and others. Ideally, staying at least six feet away from other people limits your chances of catching COVID-19.

Social distancing also means avoiding large crowds of people. For many, this has turned into working from home, schools being closed, and calling friends rather than seeing them in person.

It’s worth noting that social distancing doesn’t necessarily mean isolation. Even while you’re staying at home you can (and should) still communicate with your loved ones and friends. Interacting with others on social media, through phone calls and video chats, and even via text is extremely important. Just because you’re physically distant doesn’t mean you need to become emotionally and socially distant.

Healthy Social Distancing Activities

With a contagious virus spreading across the country, focusing on maintaining and improving your health is more important than ever. Fortunately, staying home means that you should have plenty of time to do this.

Although avoiding groups of people is a must, there’s no reason to avoid going outdoors. A breath of fresh air and some rays of sunshine can do wonders for your mood. Likewise, getting some exercise each day is a great way to stay healthy. Whether that means going for a walk around the neighborhood or a bike ride on a nearby trail, these activities are a great way to avoid boredom and do something good for your body.

For some people, staying at home doesn’t always mean eating well. Although getting take-out every night is an option, it isn’t a good one for your health. Instead, use the opportunity of being at home to learn how to cook some healthy meals. If you need help getting started, check out this list from Bon Appetit that includes easy recipes that you can make with five ingredients or less.

Another healthy way to care for yourself while practicing social distancing is to mind your mental health. There is plenty of stress circulating because of COVID-19. If left unchecked, panic can spread even more quickly than the coronavirus itself. As such, doing calming, enriching activities is a great way to pass time and keep yourself sane.

While staying at home, you can try out yoga, find a new skincare routine, or practice mindfulness. There are countless free online resources to help guide you through these activities that you can find with a quick Google search.

Velocity Urgent Care Is Here For You

Despite the fact that we should all be trying to stay at home, life still happens. You might sprain an ankle while jogging outdoors or cut yourself while trying a new recipe. You may also get sick—whether it’s with COVID-19 or a completely different infection.

At Velocity Urgent Care, we are here for you.

Our network of clinics across Virginia is open for business to meet your healthcare needs. Moreover, we are taking serious safety precautions to ensure that our locations are as clean as possible. We’ve put strict sterilization protocols into place and are carefully handling patients who show symptoms to ensure that each one of our clinics is safe for those who need urgent medical care.

As local primary care offices either close or transition to telemedicine, we understand that certain things can’t be treated over the phone—or through a screen. Whether you have seasonal allergy symptoms, an earache, a stomachache, a broken bone, or are just feeling under the weather, Velocity Urgent Care is the place to go for fast, safe, and effective treatment. You can walk in any time during our convenient hours or reserve your spot online and skip the waiting room.

If you think you might have COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms of coughing, a fever, and/or shortness of breath, Velocity Urgent Care is currently equipped to evaluate and test you for the virus. We’re available for those who want to avoid going to the hospital or the emergency room to get evaluated and tested, although we ask that you please call before coming to the center.

Velocity Urgent Care is also an in-network provider for most major insurance plans, meaning you can be seen for the cost of your co-pay and deductible. All of our locations also accept Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare. Veterans Administration beneficiaries are also welcome.