Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all been learning new ways of staying healthy and avoiding illness. You may be familiar with the common ways to avoid getting sick; but sometimes it seems like these tips all include things we should NOT do. “Don’t go in large crowds” or “Don’t go near sick people.” Do you ever feel like you are more restricted in your activities than you’d like to be? It’s so important to stay active with a chronic illness like COPD. But sometimes we feel like the list of things we can’t do is longer than our list of things we can do. Let’s see if we can change that.
Think about your favorite activity that you haven’t been able to do for a while. Is there anything you could change that would make it easier to do? Listed below are some examples of ways you can modify an activity so that you can enjoy it again.
- If you like swimming but find that the chlorine smell in indoor pools bothers your breathing, see if your neighborhood or health club has an outdoor pool. Or, if you’re traveling, you may find that your hotel has an indoor saltwater pool. I recently stayed in a hotel that had a saltwater pool and I noticed it didn’t have a strong chlorine smell like other pools. Saltwater pools use less chemicals, so they also create less fumes.
- If you like to go for walks, but the air outside is too hot, humid, or polluted, consider taking a walk indoors. Local health clubs and community centers often have indoor walking tracks. These are a great option for those with chronic health conditions because the track is often smooth and even. When you walk outside, you often have to navigate little hills and uneven terrain. You could also walk in your local shopping mall or even in your community’s public library or grocery store! All steps count, even if you are just browsing and taking your time.
- If you enjoy gardening but find it hard to crouch and bend to do your plantings, consider using raised bed planters. These special planters are about waist high, so you don’t have to lean over and kneel down.
- If you like to visit with friends but avoid their homes because they have allergens, too many steps, or other things that are difficult for you, consider meeting at a restaurant or coffee shop at an off-peak time when it’s less crowded. You could also meet at the library. Public libraries often have areas where folks can relax and visit. Some even have coffee shops inside! You may also decide to join a class or group at your library. Many libraries offer free programs for many different hobbies and interests. I’ve enjoyed free cooking, crafting, and other classes at my local library.
These are just a few examples but there are many other ways to modify an activity to make it easier for you to enjoy. What ideas can you share with us?