5 Best Practices for Socially Distancing While Enjoying Nature
Whenever you venture out into nature, there are certain precautions from Covid you should take before doing so, particularly if you’re going alone or in an unfamiliar area. While enjoying the great outdoors offers many benefits to your physical and mental health, it also carries a few inherent risks and dangers, such as the prevalence of wild animals in most locations and the possibility of becoming lost or stranded due to inclement weather conditions or poor visibility. To help you stay safe when enjoying nature on your own, follow these five best practices for socially distancing yourself from other people as well as wild animals as much as possible.
1) Bring a Book
Bring a book with you to read while you’re enjoying nature. This way, you can stay socially distant from others while still enjoying the outdoors. Plus, reading is a great way to relax and de-stress.
Here are 5 best practices for socially distancing while enjoying nature:
1. Bring a book with you to read while you’re enjoying nature. This way, you can stay socially distant from others while still enjoying the outdoors.
2. If you’re hiking, stick to trails that are less crowded. 3. Go on a weekday instead of weekends if possible. 4. Bring something to snack on so you don’t need to eat what’s offered by vendors at roadside stands or state parks. Finally, make sure you have bug spray and sunblock in your bag.
2) Go when it isn’t peak season
The best time to socially distance in nature is when there aren’t as many people around. That way, you can more easily avoid close contact with others. To find out when the off-peak season is for your favorite spot, check out the website or call the visitor center. Once you know when to go, plan your trip so that you arrive early in the day. This will help you avoid crowds and find a good spot to set up camp. Once you’re settled, stay put! If you want to explore, do so within your campsite area. And finally, be sure to pack out all of your trash so that you leave no trace of your visit.
3) Get the Right Gear
It’s important to have the right gear when you head outdoors. Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes or hiking boots, and if you’re going to be in the sun, don’t forget the sunscreen! You’ll also want to bring a water bottle and snacks to keep your energy up. If you’re out on a longer hike, make sure to pack along some emergency items like a map, extra food and clothes, etc. Finally, remember that people get hurt outdoors all the time so it’s wise to pack along some basic first aid supplies like bandages and antiseptic wipes just in case.
4) Spread Out
One of the best things about nature is that there’s plenty of room to spread out. So when you’re planning your next socially distant outing, be sure to choose a spot that will allow you and your companions to maintain a comfortable distance precautions from Covid from others. If necessary, bring along extra space blankets or tarps so you can mark off areas on the ground as ours.
-Pick an area where trees are abundant. Trees are great natural boundary markers since they’re taller than people and provide shade and cover.
-Bring along a few lawn chairs or some hammocks so everyone has their own space to relax in. -Pack snacks in individual containers to avoid any awkward handshakes later (fingers crossed!) -Designate one person as the lookout who stands on a tree stump or chair at the edge of your chosen hangout area so he or she can keep an eye on anyone coming near without invading their personal space too much.
5) Follow Trail Etiquette
When you’re out on the trail, it’s important to be respectful of others and practice good social distancing etiquette. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Stick to trails that are popular and well-traveled.
2. If you come across someone on the trail, step off to the side to let them pass.
3. Don’t stop in the middle of the trail to take a break. The further back from the edge of the trail you sit or stand, the less likely your presence will bother other hikers. 4. You may notice plants that have been trampled or torn up by other hikers – always avoid walking over these areas as much as possible to help preserve these plants and reduce your impact on their habitats. 5. Finally, make sure to pack out any trash you bring with you so others can enjoy nature without any added environmental burdens!
