Recharge Your Batteries With These 5 Safe Outdoor Activities During COVID-19

So, here’s a fun fact I discovered: “Quarantining” is what someone who is contagious does to avoid getting other people sick with COVID-19. What the rest of us are doing is called “sheltering in place.”
Unless you’re actually sick, there’s no reason to completely seal yourself inside the home. It’s perfectly possible to practice social distancing and still get some fresh air (not to mention let your kids burn off some of their built-up energy before they drive you insane). Let me share a few of my favorite outdoor activities in this age of “sheltering in place.”

1. Eat Dinner Outside As a Family

If you have a nice backyard, you can actually eat ALL of your meals outside. This is what my family has started to do, and I can’t believe the difference it makes. For 30 minutes, we all feel FREE.
As we’re laughing and eating delicious food and talking, I keep think to myself, “I'm so blessed.” These positive experiences give me the energy to keep going. Every day, we have memorable family moments where it’s like the coronavirus doesn’t even exist.

2. Organize a Lawn Games Tournament

Now’s the perfect time to show your family members why you’re the undefeated champion of bocce, cornhole, badminton, volleyball or cricket. These outside activities are healthier for you than watching back-to-back movies on TV. What if your family isn’t big on competitions? Just tossing a baseball, football or Frisbee around keeps kids entertained and does your heart good.

3. Enjoy Breakfast on the Patio

Don’t forget to take some time for yourself, too. Getting some peace and quiet is important for moms. It lets us recharge our batteries. Treat yourself to a calming cup of coffee or tea, munch on some homemade (healthy) scones, eat some fruit and watch the beautiful sunrise in complete serenity. Our house has some birds that wake up as early as I do, and hearing their little chirps is like healing for my soul.

4. Do Some Gardening

Working with plants can be an amazing stress reliever. Even better, it gives people who are temporarily out of work a sense of purpose. Instead of feeling “lost,” you can have real satisfaction with this rewarding hobby. By the way, if bending over makes your back hurt, you can always get a gardening table that lets you care for your plants standing up.

5. Go for a Walk (Social-Distancing Style)

Some states have declared public places such as parks and beaches off limits. Others let people walk around as long as they stick to social distancing. If it’s allowed in your area, you may want to don your mask, grab a small bottle of antiseptic gel and slide on your walking shoes.
Here are a few things to remember:

Blue skies, fresh air and gorgeous hills have a calming effect on your emotions. And the less stressed you are, the better your immune system works! Try to come up with your own outdoor adventures for the backyard. Picnics, fashion shows and tenting under the stars are all great possibilities.