If you’re observing self-quarantine to keep yourself and others healthy during the coronavirus pandemic, you may have started to run out of ideas for staving off boredom. Before you give in and plop yourself in front of the TV for yet another uninspiring Netflix binge, consider these ideas for staying active without breaking quarantine.

1. Cook Healthy Meals at Home

Nutrition forms the backbone of your physical and mental well-being. The foods you eat also play a significant role in your energy levels and how you feel throughout your day. If your go-to before the current crisis was dining out several times a week, you’ll need to adjust to the “new normal.” Not a home chef? Don’t panic; you can subsist on more than instant ramen. Have a few easy-to-prepare recipes on hand, and before long, you’ll be whipping up delicious, balanced meals without having to set foot outside your front door.

2. Have a Home Workout Routine

If your gym is closed for the foreseeable future, and your city government has shut down public parks to encourage social distancing, you don’t have to give up on your fitness goals. You only need to adjust the way you work out. Most of us aren’t fortunate enough to have a home gym. Luckily, there are plenty of free, no-equipment-needed workout videos on YouTube. You can also learn bodyweight exercises that allow you to fit in an excellent workout almost anywhere.

3. Keep Yourself Accountable to Your Recovery

It can be easy to succumb to loneliness when you’re under a mandate not to go out in public. If you’re feeling triggered, be sure to keep some healthy coping strategies in your back pocket. These can include regular check-in calls with your therapist or recovery sponsor; a designated time each day to meditate or write in a journal; or any other form of self-care that helps you stay on the right track with your sobriety.

4. Stay Mentally Active

Don’t overlook the need to challenge your brain while you’re observing self-quarantine. If you find yourself with extra free time, engage your mind by learning something new, such as a language or skill. Instead of thoughtlessly scrolling social media or channel surfing to find a movie or TV show to watch, see if you can find an engaging online course that will help you become a master of something that’s always piqued your interest, but that you never had the opportunity to pursue.

5. Go on a Virtual Vacation

If you had to cancel your spring break plans or upcoming summer vacation due to worries about coronavirus, don’t let it get you down. Many other people have found themselves in the same position as you, which is why the popularity of virtual vacations has recently skyrocketed. Whether your goal is to bring the crashing waves of a beach into your home, see the Northern Lights or visit a cosmopolitan world capital, you can do so from the comfort of your couch.

Working Together to Flatten the Curve

This period of self-isolation can be challenging, especially if you’re used to having an active social life outside your home. However, it’s essential for all of us to try to avoid spreading a virus that can be deadly, especially for more vulnerable members of society. You don’t have to put your entire life on hold because of coronavirus – you just need to find ways to make your world a little smaller for a while. If you’re a young man living with addiction, reach out to us at Spearhead Lodge to learn more about our world-class treatment options. We’re looking forward to helping you make a full recovery from the disease of substance misuse.