Since the arrival of Covid-19, life has changed for millions of people. Changes in work and social activities have been seen as dramatic upheavals. What was commonplace is no longer allowed in many regions. This is why people need to look at outdoor activities with social distancing.
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Staying home is unhealthy for the body and mind. People need engagement in activities for a healthy body and soul. A person can only watch TV so much before boredom sets in. The modern society built an instant gratification mindset before Covid-19. It is time to think outside of the box.
Going back to some old activities is a great place to begin. These activities get you outside. Away from the electronics and negative newscasting prevalent during the situation. The news is depressing and electronic entertainment lacks the human touch or feel. People are craving human interaction.
Staying 6-8 feet away is not going to hinder doing a few healthy outdoor activities. I am making a few suggestions to get you going to have fun again. The following are activities for families and small groups. Anyone can engage in for some pleasure and human interaction.
Outdoor Game Activities with Social Distancing
Getting a group of 4 or more people together for games is easy. Choosing the games is simple also. People have forgotten the days before the internet and video games. People enjoyed themselves with games requiring a little physical activity. Engaging in physical activity helps the body and mind.
Corn Hole Boards
When it comes to spending time outdoors. Enjoy your friends and family activities. There’s no better choice than a classic game of cornhole. All ages will enjoy classic bean bag toss and the hours will fly by! Plus you’ll get tons of use out of these sets. You can quickly and conveniently pack up with the bonus carrying case once everyone has had a blast.
Corn hole toss is safe for children. The game keeps players spaced apart maintaining a safe distance.
Horseshoes
Horseshoes are a classic game. The game has been around for decades, maybe centuries. It challenges players with hand and eye coordination. Plus a little strength is needed with the conventional sets. There are plastics and rubber sets for child-friendly use included in the suggested sets.
The one set offers a ring toss game for young children to enjoy and develop skills. You can easily spend an afternoon. Challenging a few friends or family members to an all-time favorite game.
Badminton
Once a game of the elite, badminton is played by all today. A low-cost alternative to tennis with less effort also. The sets come with the net, 4 racquets, and a couple of shuttlecocks. Also, a dozen shuttlecocks allow people to play and change out the bird. This eliminates the chance of transferring viruses and bacteria.
A game for all ages but children love the thrill of whacking the bid across the net. The added benefit of chasing the shuttlecock promotes heart and respiratory health. Who knows, you may lose a few pounds from the time binge-watching TV.
Croquet
The game of croquet is a lawn game with stakes and wickets set up in various patterns. It can be played as individuals against each other. Besides, a couple can team up and use strategy to outplay the opposing team. The set comes in low-cost sets for children or beginners. There are higher quality sets for people wanting to be hardcore croquet masters.
The game is played with 2-8 players. Placing the wickets (frames) with adequate spacing ensures safety. This game is a long-time favorite at barbecues and family gatherings. Why not make it a weekly activity for some sun and fresh air?
Tennis
Have tennis courts near your home? Playing tennis is a good exercise for a higher level of cardio. The time spent lobbing and smashing the ball back at your opponents will pass quickly. The challenge of placing the ball to score builds coordination. The constant moving uses the whole body for a complete workout.
A few pieces of equipment will get you started. A racket and a few balls are the basics. Bring along some water and dress appropriately. You are ready to enjoy an hour or so of higher intensity activities. The rules of tennis are easy. A few minutes of reading is all you need to understand the sport.
Outdoor Sports Activities with Social Distancing
Going outdoors means getting into nature for some people. The sights and smells of nature are beautiful, pleasant, and inspiring. Around every turn of the path awaits a discovery. Today, we are blessed with many parks and other venues open to the public for outdoor activities. Take some time to explore the untarnished world of nature.
Fishing
Fishing is an enjoyable activity available to all. Children can fish in public parks for bluegills. Adults can take on the challenge of bass or other larger game fish. This sport offers the ability to sit and wait for bites. Energetic people can choose to wade a stream or use lures to get out and have fun.
Fishing can be a low-energy pastime if you choose. You can fish hard like the pros challenging a few friends in a small tournament. Fishing has a lot of options on how to fish, for what species, and many waters.
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to get into shape. In many areas, gyms are closed. Taking to the outdoors hiking is exercise. Walking up and down hills, crawling through the brush and trees, or traversing a stream gets the blood pumping. Hiking is an excellent cardio-pulmonary activity.
A good pair of hiking shoes or boots, hiking sticks, and a backpack for water and other supplies are all that is needed. Include sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first aid kit. You will be able to get a few hours of adventure in and forget about the daily issues causing stress.
Swimming
During the summer going to the local swimming hole is fun. The areas have cool refreshing water to take a dip or plunge in. There is the option to wade, do laps, and engage in water sports. Playing water polo, or other water games keeps you active while the water keeps you cool.
The swimming pools in your area likely are closed due to regulations concerning the virus. Take to Google maps and search for a place suitable for water fun. You likely have everything needed to go swimming. A pair of swimming trunks or shorts, a few towels, and skin protection is the main items. Bring along drinks and food to make a day of fun.
Follow the CDC guidelines with the activities you choose. Maintain a safe distance, wear a mask if needed, and keep everything clean. These activities will limit exposure if safe practices are included.
Summary
The Covid-19 situation does not mean you cannot get out and have fun. It requires changing a few habits and trying new things. Look at current events as an opportunity to explore another hobby or activity.
John McIntyre