It seems that COVID-19 has made going outside a new hobby for me. In the past few weeks, I’ve found myself going outside drastically more. Going outside means an escape from being cooped up around the same people for all hours of the day, and it also offers a new perspective.
The weather’s been lovely lately, which is definitely helping. Right now, the sun is setting near 8 p.m, making those sunset shots for Insta simply immaculate. I’ve become the master of taking self-timer photos. If anything, social isolation has given me an excuse to dress up, go outside and take pictures for Instagram without second-guessing myself.
I’ve recently taken up reading again, too, and have spent many hours outside just reading. I never thought I’d have the time to do this while in high school, and I’ve found it brings me such an immense sense of calm to read amongst nature.
Aside from that benefit, it’s actually scientifically proven that going outside is good for your health. It’s known to give you a boost of energy, which can be pretty helpful right now when a lot of us spend the better half of the day lying in bed. According to WebMD, going outside can improve our focus and self-esteem, and help to set our sleep cycle as well.
Exposure to sunlight is what enables your body to produce vitamin D, which works to strengthen the immune system, and of course, that’s important right now. Even just going outside for 15 minutes a couple of times a week will do the trick.
Nature as a whole is known to make us less anxious, which can be incredibly beneficial while we live in such an uncertain time. Exercise, even if that means just walking, also lessens anxiety. Right now, it’s good to distract ourselves from the constant stream of news and keep our moods elevated the best we can.
Although there are all of these scientifically proven benefits, I think the most significant aspect of going outside is the sense of freedom gained from it. It makes me recognize a lot of the little beauties in a world that I can’t quite get just from looking out my window.
So if you do get bored, try taking a walk outside. Chapel Hill has a wealth of trails that are all remaining open right now. If that isn’t an option for you, I find that taking a walk around the neighborhood will do the trick.
Photo by Eloise Rich/The ECHO
