Going out, staying safe:

Fun outdoor activities that you can do during the pandemic

It’s almost been a full year since the world welcomed the new normal — one where there’s a heightened reliance on remote working, online shopping, and e-commerce — and this is because of the Covid-19 pandemic. As of writing time, experts have already identified a new strain of the virus that is estimated to be 50-75% more transmissible than the original virus strain.

Many things have changed not just in the way we work and buy things, but also in the way we have leisure or recreation. Concerts were canceled, festivals were called off, and vacations have been postponed — but this doesn’t mean that we can’t still have fun, albeit in a safe manner.

Here are some fun and healthy activities that you can enjoy while avoiding crowds and remaining safe.

Important note: Remember to wear a mask while doing any of these outdoor activities and to maintain a safe distance from people you don’t live with to help keep yourself and those around you protected against acquiring Covid-19. Don’t forget to bring an alcohol-based rub to use frequently and avoid touching your face, nose, mouth, and eyes.

Enjoy nature

The extended quarantines and lockdowns associated with the pandemic can bring about or further aggravate stress, anxiety, and depression. Being around nature can help improve one’s mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing, which is very important especially during these challenging times. Enjoy the following outdoor activities especially with friends or family members that you live with.

Camping
Going on nature walks or trail hikes
Going on picnics (remember to pack healthy snacks!)
Boating or canoeing
Fishing

Go for fun individual sports and activities

While playing team sports and games are not encouraged during this time, there are still several sports activities that can be enjoyed while staying physically distant from others. After all, the World Health Organization recommends 150 hours of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week. Physical activity can also improve one’s mood and mental health.

Walking, jogging, or running around the neighborhood or the park
Biking
Rollerblading or rollerskating (with proper safety gear)
Outdoor yoga or aerobics

Enjoy safe outdoor entertainment

It’s still possible to enjoy music, movies, and other forms of entertainment with friends and loved ones outdoors. Studies have shown that people are more likely to be exposed to Covid-19 when they are in poorly ventilated indoor events wherein social distancing cannot be observed. With outdoor activities, people are less likely to be exposed to Covid-19, especially when attendees are able to stay at least six feet apart.

Here are some examples of outdoor activities that you can do with your friends and family members:

Holding an outdoor barbecue or cookout
Roasting marshmallows

Just remember to limit the number of people handling the food and always have hand sanitizers and wipes handy.

If you’re into the arts, here are some other activities that you can do outside. Important note: Make sure that your guests can observe social distancing and are wearing masks at all times:

Going to a drive-in
Watching an outdoor concert from your own home
Holding your own outdoor concert viewing or movie party

We are living in challenging times, and that’s a fact. And while we’re all doing our best to stay physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy at home, it’s also important to bring joy, hope, and laughter into our lives — especially at a time when we need it most. What’s important is to not let our guards down and to keep doing the recommended safety protocols: the wearing of masks, maintaining enough physical distance, and the regular washing of hands or using of alcohol-based sanitizers.