5 Ways to Get Your Steps in While Social Distancing

By now, you’ve probably established a whole new routine with social distancing (also called physical distancing). Hopefully, you’re eating well and getting outside when you can to enjoy some much-deserved sunshine. But are you also keeping up with your daily step count?

It’s important to maintain your activity levels despite social distancing, especially if you have an underlying condition such as obesity, heart disease, a lung condition or diabetes.

Although it can be challenging to get off the couch or walk away from your temporary workspace, even small bursts of mild to moderate activity can be beneficial to your heart and your overall health. At home or in your neighborhood, give these 5 ideas a try:

1. Take the stairs

If you have stairs in or just outside your home, make an excuse to walk up and down your steps a few times a day. If walking up and down an entire flight is a challenge, try stepping on and off the bottom step.

Make a daily goal chart and stick it on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror as a reminder. Give yourself a sticker or checkmark for your achievements.

2. Walk during phone calls

If you’ve made a habit of checking in on family or have to make work phone calls during the day, use that time to pace. Pace around the house or pace in circles around the office. You can also walk outside while you’re talking, as long as you stay at least 6 feet away from your neighbors.

3. Set a reminder for yourself

With the change in routine, it can be difficult to stay on track with your steps. Set an alarm on your phone as a reminder or write a note to yourself on your bathroom mirror. You can also set your tennis shoes just outside the bathroom door. Whatever works for you.

4. Walk at the same time every day

If you’ve got little ones at home or are busy with work, scheduling a walk might be the last thing on your mind. But if you book it every day at the same time, it can be your reminder to take a breather. Get the family involved.

Eat some lunch then walk around your neighborhood, if you’re able. Even 15 minutes counts.

5. Change your scenery

You probably have regular chores to do every day. Can you take those chores to different rooms in the house? If you normally fold laundry in the laundry room, carry your basket to a bedroom and fold it from there. Walking up the stairs or across the house to another room includes taking steps.

Now that you’ve gotten your steps in for the day, it’s time to take a break. Don’t forget to hydrate with a refreshing glass of water or tea. You’ve earned it!