How to Enjoy the Outdoors During COVID-19
As I’m sure you’re all aware, the coronavirus is spreading and spreading fast. The only “safe” place is your own home. But being cooped up all day isn’t fun, especially if you’re working from home. We all need some fresh air for our mental health, Vitamin D, and exercise. You don’t even need to be outdoorsy to enjoy the outdoors.
The government told people parks are okay to go to, and don’t get me wrong, it’s great people are just now discovering nature, but now everyone is heading to the parks all at once.
Whether you head out during lunch, after work, or on the weekend, there are some things you need to keep in mind in order to enjoy the outdoors.
Click here to read some tips from the CDC on how to protect yourself.
Photo Credit: National Recreation and Park Association
Stay at Home if You Are Displaying Symptoms
If there’s any chance you may have the virus, stay home. The outdoors is not immune to the virus. You still could cough near someone, touch railings, trees, etc.
Social Distance!
If you arrive at a park and the lot is busy, go somewhere else. Even if we weren’t in a pandemic you wouldn’t want to go to a busy park anyway, all the people make it hard to enjoy nature. Go for the lesser-known areas, you might have some luck instead of heading to the popular spots.
If you need to pass someone on the trail, let them know so that you both can’t keep your distance. Stand off to the side to let people pass in tight areas. Wait your turn at a scenic spot. Just stay at least six feet away. And don’t travel in groups please, it just makes it harder for other people.
Leave No Trace
Please please please, don’t go off-trail if the park says it’s not allowed. Don’t climb on waterfalls, no rock climbing where it’s prohibited. Keep your children in check, don’t let them run amuck in the park. Almost all parks that are still open have closed the majority of their bathrooms. Plan ahead of time for this, don’t be that person on the trail.
Remember when the government shut down in 2018/19 and National Parks were all over the news? Remember how they were being destroyed because they were told to stay open despite there being no workers? Let’s not put our local, state, and national parks through that again. Parks are starting to close due to social distancing and leave no trace principles not being followed.
Learn more on the Leave No Trace principles here.
Go for a walk or enjoy your own yard
Need out of the house and don’t wanna go to the park? Odds are going for a walk in your neighborhood will be a lot less busy. This way you can enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise at the same time.
You don’t even need to leave your own house to enjoy the outdoors! If you can, set up a nice seating area in your back (or front) yard. You can even work from home in your own yard if you have a table and chairs and can work away from a desk.
