FACT:
As boredom increases during quarantine, so does the amount of screen time spent on televisions, phones, video games and computers. The stay-at-home restrictions still have many of us sheltered in place. As a result, device addiction is perhaps more prevalent now than ever, especially in youths, so it's important to have some fun, tech-free activities and sports to help get everyone away from the screens and more balanced.
With remote learning the new norm now, finding an alternative to the activities that keep us glued to the screen all day is critical. Here are a few examples that can fill some of that time, away from the screen.
Basketball or Soccer
For basketball and soccer players, there are plenty of at-home practice drills that can be done while quarantined—from shooting baskets on the driveway, practicing ball-handling drills like dribbling, to kicking a soccer ball into a net or against the garage door. There are also rebounding nets that can be easily set up against the basketball hoop to help with solo practice. So whether you prefer basketball or soccer, just get outside and get dribbling!
Ping Pong
One of the more popular indoor sports is ping pong (or table tennis as it is also referred to). Having a ping-pong table is, of course, the best way to play, but if you don’t have the room or don’t want to spend the money on one, there are ways to accomplish the same thing with just a portable net, kitchen table, a couple of paddles and a ping-pong ball. Another nice feature of table tennis is that you can practice by yourself against a solid backdrop, to start developing your skills, having some fun in the meantime.
Indoor Golf
While golf courses are slowly starting to open up under some restrictions after the complete shutdown of the past couple of months, there is plenty of golf that can be practiced at home in the meantime. Indoor putting greens are very affordable and offer a great opportunity to practice what many consider to be the hardest part of the game. While swinging a club around the yard at a Wiffle ball is very economical, another great option is to grab your sand wedge from the bag, a few golf balls, a bucket, and hit some chip shots from a few yards out in your own backyard. And when it's time to hit the courses outdoors, try the best golf drinks by LIFEAID: GOLFERAID.
Water Balloon Dodgeball
This is a very simple, but fun twist on the gym-class staple that—while tutoring or wrangling the kids at home—can be a nice release of energy with the added benefit of a cool, refreshing break once the weather heat up. Instead of those old-school bouncy balls, simply replace them with water balloons and have a good old-fashioned game of dodgeball. Be sure to include mom and dad in the fun! And just like the PE teacher always said, never aim for the head.
Doga
With nothing more than a yoga mat, you can discover the combination of physical and mental exercises that have been popular for thousands of years. The beauty of yoga is that you don’t have to be an expert to reap the benefits. Plus, with doga, it is not your ordinary yoga but rather a yoga hybrid you can do with your canine companion. I mean, who doesn’t love getting to spend more time with their dog while doing an activity they enjoy? Just don’t forget to make sure you and your buddy both have fresh breath for complete peace of mind during your doga session.
Whether you are young or old, fit or overweight, doga has the power to calm the mind and strengthen the body. It's easy to be intimidated by doga terminology, and complicated poses, but don’t be. Doga is a great sport for everyone and it is also beneficial to your dog to help calm him or her.
Gardening
Aside from the sports mentioned above, you can also try planting something indoors or outdoors. Start small, pick up some packets of seeds or a few starter plants you’d love to nurture. You may never know what your green thumb can do until you try! Plus, gardening can be a great outlet to help relieve mild stress and quiet the mind, while also snagging you some fresh air and much-needed vitamin D in the sunshine.
C O N C L U S I O N
However you decide to unplug and get away from the daily ‘screen life’ during these crazy times, just remember to focus on the activities and people in your life that help bring you joy and leave you feeling less stressed. So next time you’re tempted to rush through your day, just pause, put down your phone, breathe, move your body, get outside, and enjoy the moment. Because nothing beats that feeling of creating a little more balance in your daily life.
Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash.com
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer who also owns a golf publication site, Golf Influence. He has loved golf since he was a kid and feels golf has been significantly helpful in improving his overall health.
> > > Stay well.
By Lori Nedescu
Being an athlete goes beyond training & performing. It’s a lifestyle. A lifestyle that requires a high level of attention on everything outside of the actual physical exertion—sleep, recovery, stretching, mental attitude, immunity, mood, body weight, food choices… Every great athlete knows that the physical strengths will only take you so far.
“An athlete’s health foundation is what truly sets one up for success.”
As a serious athlete and a board-certified sports dietitian, I have a relatively sound, health-forward diet, but even I can make improvements. Confession: I do not follow a strict diet. Instead, I make nutritious choices and aim to do what’s best 80% of the time, leaving 20% for fun. I’m finding that while it is nice to have a ‘break’ from assessing my performance diet, 20% is still a large chunk. Imagine if you slacked off on 20% of your training? Eek. As my goals get stronger, I need to re-evaluate that 20%. Those choices do not have to be perfectly on point, but they can still be choices that will be beneficial for my health instead of taking away from it.
For example, one of my 20% choices used to be Diet Coke. However, I know it is not good for my body. The research is pretty clear that soda, whether full of sugar or sugar-free, does not promote health and actually is proven to take away from it—decreasing gut microbiome by 50 percent, increasing type 2 diabetes and numerous other crazy health risks...
Luckily, I’ve found an ideal replacement that is still cold, refreshing and energizing, but is actually health-promoting, specifically when it comes to targeting my body’s nutrient needs for fitness improvements. FITAID ZERO is a researched-based, naturally flavored beverage that is specially balanced with supplemental ingredients that help athletic recovery. Now instead of grabbing a cold can that might lead to increased sugar cravings and weight gain, I can grab a cold can that might improve muscle speed, reduce muscle breakdown, strengthen mitochondria, provide antioxidants, replenish electrolytes and boost energy levels after a tough workout. This is due to the drink’s potent blend of vitamins, minerals, green tea, quercetin, turmeric, BCAAs, and CoQ10—ingredients proven to positively influence performance factors. FITAID ZERO also has (as the name suggests) no sugar! Meaning it won’t spike my blood sugar and I can rely on more whole food sources to provide the carbohydrates and calories my body requires.
C O N C L U S I O N
You don’t have to worry about being strict all the time, but do consider how those 20% choices play in to your 100%, choosing wisely whenever there are those easy, small swaps you can make to create a healthier foundation that will boost your lifestyle and ultimately improve your athletic performance.
About the Author:
Lori Nedescu is a board-certified sports dietitian, published author, and elite athlete in cycling & marathon running. You can view more of her work, follow or get in touch with her on Instagram at: @hungryforresults
> > > Live well.