Social distancing. Quarantine. Isolation. These phrases are all too familiar as of recently, as they are all we hear on the news and recommended by the CDC. Don’t underestimate the importance of these things for the reduction and prevention of COVID-19, because they are essential. But personally, I know that I can’t stay indoors for too long before it takes a toll on my mental health. I’m not the only one, as there are many studies that show the benefit of being in nature, both physically and mentally.
This week I was visiting my parents at their home in Carroll County, Maryland. They reside in a small town that seems almost isolated from the rest of the panic in the world, but my mom started teleworking in response to the epidemic. For the first couple of days at home, I stayed inside and worked on my computer on various things. Around the third day, I started to feel an itch to get outside. It started with looking at the weather to see what it would feel like, to looking at trails nearby. I picked out a paved nature path that wouldn’t be too hard on my dad (bad hips that come with age), then asked my parents if they would like to go and gave them the logistics, and then we were off.
We visited Leister Park Trail in Hampstead, Maryland, a 1.3 mile trail paved all the way through. We passed recreational fields, and then the trail winded into the woods where we observed many different types of species, many unknown to us. Since we had already been in close proximity with each other, we practiced social distancing when crossing paths with others on the trail, staying six feet apart at all times, but still minding our trail manners and greeting everyone. We didn’t touch anything (except the occasional leaf to get a better look), and sanitized before and after.
We appreciated the different beauties of nature, the sun on our skin, and the fresh air. In a time of high stress and worry, being able to get outside and relax was what we all needed. My dad, excited to be walking outside for the first time in a long time, told me stories about his childhood and adventuring the woods, and seemingly good memories that made him happy. Going for a walk or a hike is a very easy way to get exercise in a safe and clean way, as you’re only exposed to the outdoors, and not metal, plastic, or other surfaces that you would be exposed to in the gym. Overall, being outdoors by yourself or with a small group of family or friends is the perfect alternative to gyms or close spaces with strangers.
Remember to get outside and stay healthy!
Madelyn Farrell, Sierra Club Maryland Chapter Outings Intern
