Relaxing Activities You Can Do During Social Distancing for a Weekend Well-Spent

In the midst of fighting COVID-19 as a nation and world, it’s important now more than ever to prioritize your health and wellbeing, focus on hygiene best practices and stay at home. However, social distancing efforts, while effective, are not without their drawbacks. Making plans with friends and family is hindered due to social distancing, it’s more difficult and downright risky to complete simple tasks like picking up groceries, and even a simple walk in your local park to grab fresh air might no longer be an option. While members of our society take a quick detour from their normal routines to collectively fight this growing pandemic, it is necessary we incorporate relaxing and fun activities into our schedule to bolster our mental health as well. Here, the passionate home care and aging-in-place providers at Avila Home Care discuss relaxing activities that support safe social distancing practices and self-care that seniors can incorporate into their weekend routine.

Make a Change to Your Morning Routine

A relaxing weekend is best kicked off with a nourishing morning routine! If the weather is nice, start your morning with a quick stroll around the block or try a healing yoga practice during sunrise. As the spring weather begins, consider enjoying your morning cup of coffee on your porch. While you stay indoors during this time of quarantine, read a few chapters of a new book or even listen to a podcast on an interesting topic. If you are consistently busy during the week or currently working from home, it can be hard to unwind during the weekend and shift your mindset from “on-the-go” to “take it slow.” Taking time for yourself when you wake up can inspire a good mood for the rest of the day and prevent unneeded stress, anxiety or loneliness from creeping up. 

Stay Social With the Help of Technology

When practicing safe social distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19, it can often feel lonely at home if you live alone. This lack of social interaction can pose unique problems for seniors. Depression affects 6.5 million Americans ages 65 and older, and a portion of this can be due to a lack of social interaction. When planning your weekend, consider reaching out to close friends or family through the use of technology! Applications such as Facetime or Skype can give you the chance to spend quality time with loved ones, even if it is through a screen. If you do not have access to these applications, you can always give them a call. Quality time with friends and family, though remote, can help ease your anxiety and uplift your mood!

Know That Home Is Where the Heart Is 

Many elderly individuals spend a large period of time in their home. However, this does not have to be a bad thing! Consider small things you can do around your home to bring you joy. If you are an avid gardener, use the upcoming spring weather to try planting some new flowers. If you love to cook, consider trying a new dish that could become a staple. If you have been putting off a home project for a while, now is the perfect time to get started on it. Making the most of quarantine and looking at the positives may just surprise you with new hobbies. 

Check Out Avila Home Care’s Aging in Place Services

Taking time to spend a weekend doing things you enjoy or spending time with friends through technology can lift your spirits and ease any symptoms of depression, anxiety or loneliness. At Avila Home Care, our dedicated aging-in-place specialists offer companionship and mobility services to ensure that your loved ones are well taken care of and able to live their life to the fullest as they age. To learn more about how Avila Home Care can assist you, contact us today.

The aging in place caregivers at Avila Home Care always encourage readers to discuss any health questions or concerns with a qualified healthcare professional.

Some content in this article was sourced from CapTel, NAMI, and Daily Caring. 

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