The pandemic had most of us stuck indoors for the better part of a year. As the world begins to open up again, we’re all feeling a little uneasy while we try to get back into the swing of things. We’re finally getting to see our friends and family again. Not being able to socialize for so long has affected our mental health. The lockdowns also significantly affected our physical health. Even if you weren’t going to the gym regularly, physical activities like walking to work or taking the stairs were some things we took for granted.
It’s no surprise that most people are having a bit of a tough time adjusting to the new normal. Taking the first step towards an activity that will improve our mental and physical health will help us transition better. Here are some activities that are good for your mind and body post-pandemic:
Take a hike or even just a walk
Being cooped up all year has all of us working through cabin fever symptoms to some degree. Taking a hike or even a walk through a park is a great activity we can do while still socially distancing. Not being thrown into a room full of people but still doing something outside again is a great middle ground.
Breath in the fresh air and shake off the ache in your muscles. Getting back into nature helps calm the mind and is also a great workout to help us get back into shape after the pandemic. If you live in the city, walking through a park or even doing errands outside helps us get used to being around other people again.
Get back to your hobbies
Many of our favorite hobbies have adjusted to pandemic protocols and are now open for business again. Go to that dance class that you’ve been missing, virtually or in person. Take the music lessons you’ve meant to get into for ages. Get back into the sports that you used to love before the pandemic. Tennis, badminton, cycling, and golf are all great sports that can be done alone or with minimal physical contact.
If you’re still a little concerned about being surrounded by many people, tennis and golf are particularly great choices. You can practice your backhand with a tennis ball launcher by yourself or even go to some indoor driving ranges to check on your golf swing digitally. Fishing is another activity you can start up again. Focusing more on your relaxation and relieving stress is a great way to calm your mind in the great outdoors.
Dress up!
If you were working from home, then chances are you had on work-appropriate tops with sweatpants. Although comfort was the priority while spending all 24 hours at home, it can help boost your confidence to start dressing up again. Don’t let the great clothes in your closet go to waste while you’re determined to save them for that next special occasion.
Dressing sharp, even if it’s to spend the day working from home or going out for a simple errand, gives us that feeling of normalcy back. If you’re not interested in wearing your fancier clothes indoors, then you can also take a look at some stylish loungewear pieces. Options that don’t compromise comfort but still have you looking put together will have your spirits up in no time!
Home improvement
Converting our homes into offices, restaurants, coffee shops, and classrooms out of necessity during the pandemic has blurred the line of which spaces we use to relax. It’s also put the state of our homes under tremendous scrutiny. Focusing on interior design concerns that we never really got into can help create a more productive or relaxing space.
Setting up your home office to better cater to your needs or creating your bedroom into a more tranquil environment can do wonders for your mental health. Addressing concerns in decor or furnishing that have stuck out to you during the pandemic can also help you feel more productive and provide a sense of accomplishment even from the little things.
Socializing and self-care
Controlling who you get to see in person is another great way to take a step into the new normal. Seeing your friends in small groups or family in intimate settings helps get you accustomed to being around people again. Being able to have a personal outlet to talk to also greatly helps our mental health.
If you don’t feel ready just yet, it’s also essential to take some time to ourselves. Take mental breaks to recenter and calm yourself down. With all the uncertainties the pandemic has brought, it’s important to take things one step at a time.
