Physical activity is any movement you do throughout your day. It takes energy. Start with getting back into your daily routine and lighter activities before you do harder, more intense tasks.

Here are some examples of physical activity:

• walking around your house, to your community mailbox, or up stairs
• washing and dressing yourself or other self-care activities
• doing laundry, vacuuming, and other housework or yard chores
• lifting boxes, reaching repeatedly, or other workplace tasks
• walking to the store, riding your bike to work
• gardening, playing sports, or other hobbies that get you moving
• exercising

Tips for starting physical activity safely

When you start physical activity after COVID-19:

• Rest if you feel tired.
• Be mindful of your energy even when you feel good.
• Add activity slowly and carefully. Wait until your symptoms are not getting worse, your health feels stable, and no new symptoms are starting before you do more.
• Be patient. Getting back to your regular routine may take longer than you expect.
• Do regular movement throughout the day. You can add gentle movements while in bed. As your symptoms improve, begin to move around your house (sit up in a chair or walk to the kitchen).
• Choose the type or amount of activity based on how you feel and what's important to you.
• Keep track of how you feel. Notice what makes your symptoms better or worse. Limit activities that make your symptoms worse.
• Stop, rest, and pace as you return to activity. Pacing means balancing activities with rest to manage your energy.

For more about managing your energy and pacing techniques, see:

• Self-care: Managing your energy
• Post-COVID-19 fatigue and routines (video)​