Senior Center shares more ideas on staying active during quarantine

Press release

North Central Senior Center has been sharing ideas from “50 Self Care Activities for Quarantine Anxiety Relief.”

The center has shared 14 outdoor activities so far. Here are more activities, and more will be shared later.

The activities have been medically reviewed by Amy Gorin, MS, RDN.

This list of outdoor activities and indoor activities are great things to do when stressed for anxiety relief. Start on these self-care activities while in quarantine.

You’ve received 14 in the past, here are some more for outdoors.

15. Go hiking

“I go on hikes or walks in an outdoor state park,” said Toby Amidor, MS, RD, author of “The Create-Your-Plate Diabetes Cookbook.” “There’s lots of room to social distance.” Brenda McIntyre, RD, said that she enjoys hiking in the woods with her dog. If you don’t have a state park near you, you can always do a virtual tour of a state park.

Try it: Yellowstone virtual tour

16. Create an outdoor office

“Since I work from home, I always move my office to the front porch when the spring weather breaks,” said Rosanne Rust, RD, co-author of “Glycemic Index Cookbook for Dummies.” “I love the sound of the birds and the breeze.”

Try it: Camco Adirondack Portable Outdoor Folding Side Table

Things to Do Inside

17. Do solo yoga

“When I feel really stressed at home, I stop what I’m doing and take five minutes for a super simple yoga flow,” said sports dietitian Kelly Jones, MS, RD, CSSD. “If it’s warm enough, I head out on my patio. If not, I take it to my sun porch to get closer to nature. Just focusing on breathing and stepping away for gentle movement helps so much.” Consider enhancing your practice with essential oils.

Try it: BalanceFrom GoYoga 7-Piece Set

18. Watch a play

Obviously, you can’t get to Broadway right now. So why not bring theater into your living room while you stay at home?

Try it: Broadway plays and musicals to watch from home

19. Pet your fur babies

It helps to have a support group, even if that support comes in the form of a fur baby or two. “My furry friends are so calming and soothing to be around,” said Arielle “Dani” Lebovitz, MS, RDN, CSSD, CDE, author of “My Vegetable Adventures.” In addition to petting your animal, you can also brush your pets.

Try it: Furminator Deshedding Tool for Cats

20. Clean, clean, clean.

“I just finished scrubbing bathroom walls and the ceiling,” said Judy Barbe, RD, author of “Your 6-Week Guide to LiveBest.” “Do you have streaks from steam? I have been meaning to do this for months. Fun? Not really. But I feel joy that it’s clean, fresh and finished.”

Try it: Amazon Scrub Brush for Bathroom

21. Practice mindfulness

“Stop and smell the roses,” suggests Christie Gagnon, RD. “Practicing mindfulness allows you to live in the present moment and can help decrease stress and anxiety. Stop worrying about the future, and focus on your current surroundings. What do you see, hear, and feel right now?” Consider keeping a journal to record your thoughts.

Try it: Classic Ruled Journals

22. Work out at home

“I work out in my home gym while drinking my coffee and listening to NPR, or usually BBC because it’s 4 a.m. or 4:30 a.m.,” said Kathleen LaBella, RD. “It’s a great way for me to prevent any stress and catch up on the news, all before I turn on the computer. I believe in taking time for myself before I start my day, and then I’m available and ready for anything else.” No home gym? No problem. Many gyms are currently offering free streamed workouts during the coronavirus outbreak.

Try it: Live-streamed classes from fitness studios

23. Take an indoor Spin class

“I ride my Peloton,” said Jill Castle, RD, co-author of “Fearless Feeding.” “I’ve joined a local Peloton Facebook group called #NCStrong. We are riding together, reporting out our workouts, and just connecting each day. It’s fun.” You can also make your bike into a workplace: Add a spin tray to house your laptop or a book.

Try it: Spintray for Peloton

24. Keep a gratitude journal

“I put together a five-minute journal, in which I write three things I’m grateful for, what would make today great, and three affirmations,” said Brontë Grooms, RD. “Then I end the day with what was great about the day and what would make it better. It helps to shift to a positive mindset.”

Try it: Gratitude: A Day and Night Reflection