Social Distancing With Kids: Staying Healthy Physically and Mentally at Home Carilion Clinic shares healthy ways to beat boredom and stress at home. Getting out of our normal routines, seeing less of our friends, and feeling uncertain about what might happen next is hard on all of us, and can be especially hard on children and teens. Acting as a role model for healthy coping behaviors — like staying physically active, connecting with others, and taking mental breaks when needed — will make a big difference both for your kids and for you. Here are ten ways to support your physical and emotional health as a family.
Have fun with fitness challenges.
Gym equipment is by no means necessary for getting a great workout, no matter what your age. Hearken back to your high school P.E. class days and challenge your kids to
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classic calisthenic exercises like inchworms, or simple but effective cardio like jumping jacks.
objects you have around the house or in the garage. See
Hold a family yoga class in the living room, or even on the patio as the weather warms up.
Throw a living room dance party.
who can successfully complete the course the fastest, or the most times in a set number of minutes.
Yoga is a great no-equipment workout and has been shown to help relieve both the physical and mental symptoms of stress. You’ll find countless free yoga practice videos — for all levels of athleticism, and from under ten minutes to over an hour in length — on YouTube.
Dancing has been shown to release serotonin — an important brain chemical that contributes to the sense of happiness — and is a fantastic home workout. Make a playlist of mood-boosting songs and show off some of your “vintage” dance moves to your kids.
Unleash your kids’ (or your!) inner “ninja warriors” by creating an obstacle course in your backyard out of
Work on some spring landscaping as a family.
Everyone will benefit from the fresh air, as well as from beautifying the surroundings you may be spending much more time in
