Photo courtesy of Jackie Ostfeld
The last few weeks have been stressful for most of us. Each day brings new headlines about the COVID-19 global pandemic, #FlattenTheCurve seems to be constantly trending, and physical distancing has become a necessary part of life. Many of us -- myself included -- are adjusting to working a full-time job from home with the added responsibilities of teaching, dishwashing, and trying to keep my family safe and sane. And many others are staying cooped up indoors to avoid spreading or catching the novel coronavirus.
Several states are encouraging residents to reduce their travel outside the home, and some governors have asked residents to stay indoors for all but essential trips, like going to the pharmacy or the grocery store. Limiting time spent outdoors is a major lifestyle change for someone like myself, a mom to two young kids who typically spends a lot of time hiking, biking, and generally enjoying nature, but I understand the importance of changing my routine and following the latest public health recommendations for my family’s health and for the health of others.
For many, however, the prospect of spending days or weeks indoors is causing fear and anxiety. In fact, the Center for Disease Control has flagged mental health as a top concern associated with the COVID-19 outbreak. Physical distancing is necessary, but it can take a toll on mental health, especially during such highly stressful times. Spending time outdoors is a proven way of reducing stress and improving mental health, and many jurisdictions are allowing residents to get outdoors for recreational activity like hiking and biking.
But how can we get outdoors while protecting ourselves and the health of others? Many people are turning to our national parks as a haven from the stress of a global health crisis. Last weekend saw overflowing parking lots and crowded trails at several national parks, including my typical go-to, Shenandoah National Park. Not only are folks finding it hard to honor the physical distancing guidelines necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but in many cases local communities are urging visitors not to come at all. Many of our most iconic national parks are in rural areas, where an outbreak would overwhelm the public health system. I typically spend my days at the Sierra Club encouraging people to visit our national parks, but now I am urging folks to think twice. You can reap many of the benefits of nature without traveling, and the best way to observe public health guidelines right now is to stay home, visit the local parks and trails in your community (if they are still open), and bring nature inside.
My family is lucky to live in Washington, D.C., a city with many local community parks, some of which are located in the middle of traffic circles or roundabouts. My family is spending a lot of time in one of these circle parks a block from our house. The park has been incredible since it is safe for kids to ride their bikes and scooters around the circle. In the mornings, we can maintain physical distancing pretty easily. My older son has been enjoying climbing a lovely white pine tree. We do have to be more careful in the afternoons, when I have noticed the circle parks get a bit more crowded. If you are not able to safely maintain physical distance, we can all do our part by leaving to find another place that is less crowded or going home. It's pretty challenging to get kids under five years old to adhere to physical distancing.
We’re also making good use of the alley system behind our house. I have been slowly sweeping the alley of broken glass and other hazards to try and make it a safe place for my kids to get their daily dose of Vitamin D. I’ve always appreciated our trash collectors, but when they came to clear out some old mattresses in our alley, I nearly wept for joy. They truly are on the front lines of this pandemic and I cannot express enough gratitude for all the essential workers putting their lives on the line for the greater good right now.
If you don’t have access to a community park, there are still ways to spend a little bit of time outdoors. Plan a “camping trip” in your backyard or even in your living room; my brother’s family is having “campouts” in the basement. Walk your dog around the block and take in the fresh air, sunshine, and trees that you see. Bring nature inside. My son and I are trying to grow an avocado tree from seed; it’s a lesson in patience if nothing else. Take a virtual tour of a national park and start planning your next trip; this too will pass.
The outdoors have always been a place we could seek recreation, peace, and restoration. They still can be -- just make sure you do it at least six feet apart.