The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has generally given the entire world a “scare” as it spread and altered the way many live their lives. This never-before-seen strand of the family of coronaviruses led many of us to take shelter, limit exposure to public areas, or remain under quarantine in an effort to stay safe and stop the spread of COVID-19. 

Even now, many of the changes the pandemic has brought about may change the way we socialize and connect with others. For many, this might include spending far less time in public, working from home, or otherwise being distant. 

In this article, we discuss activities you can do indoors to help ease symptoms of boredom, depression, anxiety disorders, and other chronic mental health disorders that may be aggravated during this unprecedented time.

Physical Exercise And Activities You Can Do Indoors

Taking part in exercise can be a free and easy way to get your mind and body in shape.

People who experience mental health conditions can help ease unwanted symptoms and increase blood flow to the brain via exercise. Exercise has also been shown to boost mood, as the release of endorphins can naturally reduce stress. Even a few minutes of indoor exercise daily can ease stress, increase your self-esteem and may help you sleep better.

If you're looking for ways to keep fit and get moving indoors, it may help to turn to options available on your phone. Both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store can offer a wide variety of entertainment and exercise-based apps that you can do from the comfort of your home. Health and wellness apps may also include resources for healthy nutrition information and targeted workouts that are guided by fitness experts.

Training sessions on fitness apps can normally be completed in seven-to-15-minute bursts that can provide a quick physical and mental boost. You can also find longer workouts, if desired. Popular apps to download for guided and self-guided indoor exercise are listed below:

Nike Training Club - Fitness Training At All Levels

The Nike Training Club app is considered by many to be a full-featured app that can provide effective workouts for people at all fitness levels. The fitness training app comes equipped with interactive video workouts to follow along with if you choose. 

Whether you're looking for an intensive indoor workout, a light stretching routine or basic yoga, the free version of Nike Training Club might have options available for you.

We do want to note: The premium version includes a live video upgrade option that allows you to connect with other fitness trainers and other users. However, the Nike Training Club can be conveniently available as a free download on the App Store and Android Store.

Adidas Training By Runtastic—Home Workout

The Adidas Training app is thought by many to be designed to help people achieve their fitness goals without using traditional exercise equipment. Users can set your workout plan by your fitness goal or fitness level using this customizable indoor fitness app. 

Beginners and experts needing a quick fitness boost can take advantage of 7-minute interactive exercise plans. These quick bursts of exercise can help you quickly improve your mood and release endorphins that can provide a natural source of stress relief for many.

The Adidas Training App can be found on the App Store, Google Play, iOS, and Apple TV.

More Ways To Get Moving Indoors

If you don't want to use technology to burn off excess energy, boredom, and nervousness, using calisthenics can be an easy and free way to give your mind and body relief. 

Science suggests that simple exercises like squats, pushups, and jumping jacks can be easy forms of exercise for most that can also provide a few health benefits. 

Before starting a new exercise program, however, it may be wise to seek the advice of your primary care physician or other medical professional.

Mental Exercise—Train Your Brain To Relax

You may be surprised to learn that many of your favorite board games, which can be great ways to stimulate the mind, are also available in electronic versions and apps. You can consider taking time on these apps frequently to exercise your mental muscles in a positive way to ward off boredom, excess stress and other signs of social isolation.

Popular games like Monopoly, Words With Friends and similar games can allow you to chat and play simultaneously, possibly helping you feel more connected with family, friends and general opponents.

Generally speaking, when you're focused on completing simple tasks and mental exercises, your brain might have less time to worry. While these sorts of activities may not eradicate mental health symptoms, they can be a fun and easy way to take your mind off things and connect with others.

Examples of apps and games you can use for mental exercise indoors include:

Monopoly

Words With Friends 2

Lumosity

Chat With A Mental Health Professional Online—Here’s How Online Therapy Can Help In The Pandemic Aftermath

Though many of us may be through the most intense part of the pandemic as of 2023, there might still be some obstacles that can linger from years of quarantining that might impact your mental health. Likewise, the pandemic may have brought loss, pain or fear into your life that doesn’t disappear just because social restrictions might. 

No matter how you may have been impacted by COVID-19, it can help to remember that online therapy options are available to help.

Online therapy can make it simple to receive support by allowing you to attend sessions from the comfort of your own home. That means it may be ideal for those with busy schedules, as sessions can take place anytime, anywhere. It can also be handy for those who are still maintaining precautionary distance in the wake of COVID. 

Is Online Therapy Effective? 

A study conducted by the University of Berkeley Well-Being Institute found details that suggest that 98% of BetterHelp users have made significant progress in their mental health journeys. Additionally, the study suggested that 94% prefer it to in-person therapy, and 70% have reduced depression symptoms that they attribute to the online therapy session(s).