While stay-at-home guidelines are still in place in many parts of the world, people are understandably getting stir-crazy inside their homes. The adage “you never know what you have until it’s gone” has been proven again now that we can’t go outside as much as we please. And even if we can go outside, there are certain activities that we are limited to.
Nevertheless, there are lots of ways you can enjoy the outdoors while limiting your contact with others. Here are a few examples you can try:
- Go on a fishing trip
As long as you stay away from other people and go to a relatively uncrowded fishing spot, fishing is a great way to unwind and enjoy the outdoors without risking your health. Look for a fishing trip, say, a guided halibut fishing trip, that provides excursions with limited participants. On the other hand, if you’re doing it DIY, go alone or go with the people in your household.
- Take daily walks
Whether it’s around your neighborhood or on a trail in the woods, walking is a great form of physical activity that will also let you spend some time outdoors. Take a walk at least once a day, especially if you are feeling stressed at home. A simple 20-minute walk can already be enough to refresh your mind and calm your nerves.
Don’t forget to bring an appropriate face covering, even if you’re walking in a secluded area. You never know if you’re going to encounter another person on your walk, and it’s always better to be safe during these times.
- Camp alone or with friends
Camping has always been a pretty socially-distant outdoor activity, unless, of course, when camping in crowded grounds. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is one of the best ways to spend time in nature while staying safe, and you don’t have to wear a mask for the majority of your excursion.
Find a campsite that is deserted and go on a solitary camping trip. However, if you want to bring companions, it is recommended that you go on self-quarantine for at least two weeks before going on a camping trip (unless you live with them in the same house). Even then, avoid sharing camping supplies and maintain your distance as much as possible.
- Make the most out of your backyard
You probably appreciate your backyard now more than ever before. And while you can’t exactly hold barbecues and throw backyard parties just yet, spending time in your backyard can help you avoid getting stir-crazy from being cooped up inside the house.
There are lots of ways to make the most out of your backyard. Swim in an inflatable pool. Grow a garden. Sunbathe. Get some exercise. Meditate. Even if you do these things alone, being outdoors can help reduce your stress and improve your mental health.
- Ride your bike
If you are a fan of cycling, ride your bike around uncrowded trails around town or in the woods. This will allow you to get some much-needed exercise, especially if you’re spending most of your time at home. Just make sure to wear your mask and keep your distance from other people or cyclists.
- Go kayaking, boating, or sailing
Craving to be in the water again? Take a trip to the nearest body of water that is not crowded and go kayaking, boating, or sailing. Spending some time over the water and under the sun might be just what you need to decompress after spending months cooped up at home.
- Have a picnic
Prepare a picnic basket or buy some takeout and have a picnic at the park. As always, keep your distance from other people and sanitize picnic tables before using them. This activity will give you some semblance of normalcy, albeit you have to maintain your distance from everybody else.
However, make sure to limit your contact with surfaces in public areas. If you have to touch tables, handles, benches, or other public surfaces, make sure to sanitize your hands immediately.
- Take a hike
Many hiking trails are open now, albeit with social distancing guidelines in place. If you want to get out of the house and get some exercise at the same time, find a relatively uncrowded trail and go on a hike.
The pandemic doesn’t have to keep you locked up in your house forever. As long as you can maintain a safe distance from other people, wear a mask, and do proper hygiene practices, spending time outdoors can be safe amidst the pandemic. Start with the outdoor activities mentioned above. For other activities that involve crowds and lots of contact with others, save those for after COVID-19 is over.
