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Indoor Fun for Everyone

The air is getting cooler, the days are getting shorter, and the gardens are wrapping up and showing off their harvest.

With the last of the humidity gone, we can move around a little better without becoming so short of breath. As the sun sets earlier each evening, we will have time on our hands in the evenings and mornings to entertain ourselves.

Start a hobby

Find a hobby that grabs your attention. My girlfriend gave me a diamond painting kit for Christmas last year. I had never done it before, but it isn’t rocket science.

I tried it and it was so easy and the best part is that it takes your mind off of you and uses your resources wisely. Knitting, sewing, and coloring in an adult coloring book are great hobbies.

Learn something new

One thing that COVID-19 forced us to do was use more of the resources we have and to use them wisely. Most of us have had virtual doctor’s visits, Zoomed, or used Facetime with friends and family.

In 2020 I took the opportunity to gain knowledge about computer technology. Take a free course and learn something new. You will be pleasantly surprised.

Keep up with exercise

We all know the importance of exercise. It keeps our lungs and heart functioning more efficiently and staves off that shortness of breath when exerting yourself. Incorporating exercise into all that we do helps us to get it done.

Anytime you are sitting keep your arms and legs moving up and down and out and in. Try some sit-to-stands and do those neck and shoulders stretches. Don’t forget those breathing exercises.

Make a conscious effort to do deep abdominal breathing. Breathe in through your nose, hold your breath for a few seconds, and finally exhale through pursed lips.

Connect with a friend

Our busy lives mean not having the time to keep in touch. We have all done this, dropping friends because we were too busy. Thinking about old friends, wondering what they are up to, and how they are doing?

They may well be thinking the same thing about you. Why not surprise an old friend and pick up the phone? Meeting them on Zoom is just like they are sitting at your kitchen table. Join a support group and get busy with it.

Try meditation

Learning to meditate will help you control your mind and your thoughts. Finding quiet time in a room with a door or even a cozy corner will do. It can be a little tricky to begin, but practice makes perfect.

Focus is the hard part and if you have a hard time keeping your mind still, you really need to learn this. Find an object to focus on, play some instrumental music to soothe yourself.

It is normal for your mind to wander. We can acknowledge our passing thoughts as they come into our minds and let them drift away.

How will you spend your indoor time this season?

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Editor’s Note: We are extremely saddened to say that on January 7th, 2024, Barbara Moore passed away. Barbara’s advocacy efforts and writing continue to reach many. She will be deeply missed.

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This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The COPD.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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