Does Quarantine have you sitting in one place for hours at a time ... Get up! Move!
One of my congregants reminded us in stark terms how important this is. Her husband was busy working from home, as so many of us are. She posted last week that he was "in the hospital overnight as he got a large clot in his leg as well as several lung clots (2 pulmonary embolisms too) from sitting 8-10 hours a day." She urged everyone -- get up every hour! Move around!
Even if you're not sitting at a desk all day, we all need movement of some sort. Most of us are avoiding going out in public, which means that our need to be active may have slipped down the priority list. And we're not moving in the ordinary ways we were accustomed to - my kids aren't walking from class to class, spouse isn't walking up and down the aisles of the store, I'm not wandering the grounds of the church, to ask the Rabbi down the hall a question or to find answers out on the labyrinth.
So, how can you bring movement back into your routine?
Good old fashioned walks are good, especially if you're avoiding other people and wearing a mask. Here in Texas, I know that the oven we call "summer" is fast approaching, so I'm looking for other ways to move.
Guess what? The internet has been invented!
Another of my congregants is a tap dancer, and reports that her tap-dancing classes have continued - via zoom! Want to support a local business while still isolating? Call up a local dance class and see if they're doing Zoom classes. Or search youtube for dance or exercise lessons.
Having kids or being willing to admit to having a fun-loving spirit means you may already have a video game system. If you don't maybe now is a good time to consider it, especially if you choose one that integrates with real physical activity. (Just google "exercise" and "game console" to get reviews and articles.) We have one that allows us to play as a family with boxing, beach volleyball, and more. Don't forget to put on some decent shoes, as my shin splints will warn you!
And if you are just tired of the internet and screens of all types ... do what people have been doing since the start of time. Dance! Close your drapes if you're self-conscious, put on your favorite music, and dance like no one is watching. Or dance like the world is watching, if that's what motivates you.
The other reason for moving? You'll feel better. There's tons of research about how even moderate movement, like arm exercises, lift your mood and sharpen your mind. But for me, I'll take the advice of renowned expert, James Brown:
One of my congregants reminded us in stark terms how important this is. Her husband was busy working from home, as so many of us are. She posted last week that he was "in the hospital overnight as he got a large clot in his leg as well as several lung clots (2 pulmonary embolisms too) from sitting 8-10 hours a day." She urged everyone -- get up every hour! Move around!
Even if you're not sitting at a desk all day, we all need movement of some sort. Most of us are avoiding going out in public, which means that our need to be active may have slipped down the priority list. And we're not moving in the ordinary ways we were accustomed to - my kids aren't walking from class to class, spouse isn't walking up and down the aisles of the store, I'm not wandering the grounds of the church, to ask the Rabbi down the hall a question or to find answers out on the labyrinth.
So, how can you bring movement back into your routine?
Good old fashioned walks are good, especially if you're avoiding other people and wearing a mask. Here in Texas, I know that the oven we call "summer" is fast approaching, so I'm looking for other ways to move.
Guess what? The internet has been invented!
Another of my congregants is a tap dancer, and reports that her tap-dancing classes have continued - via zoom! Want to support a local business while still isolating? Call up a local dance class and see if they're doing Zoom classes. Or search youtube for dance or exercise lessons.
Having kids or being willing to admit to having a fun-loving spirit means you may already have a video game system. If you don't maybe now is a good time to consider it, especially if you choose one that integrates with real physical activity. (Just google "exercise" and "game console" to get reviews and articles.) We have one that allows us to play as a family with boxing, beach volleyball, and more. Don't forget to put on some decent shoes, as my shin splints will warn you!
And if you are just tired of the internet and screens of all types ... do what people have been doing since the start of time. Dance! Close your drapes if you're self-conscious, put on your favorite music, and dance like no one is watching. Or dance like the world is watching, if that's what motivates you.
The other reason for moving? You'll feel better. There's tons of research about how even moderate movement, like arm exercises, lift your mood and sharpen your mind. But for me, I'll take the advice of renowned expert, James Brown:
Get up offa that thing
And dance 'till you feel better!
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