Encouraging Outdoor Movement & Adventures During The Pandemic
One of my favorite activities to do is go hiking! Since I was a young girl I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors. From backpacking in Yosemite to taking local trails throughout the Bay Area - I’ve found so much peace, beauty and strength by connecting with the wilderness - which ultimately connects to self. When I first moved to New York - so many outdoor recreational and healing activities got pushed to the side to hyper focus on my career. However, over the last few years, I’ve re-established my relationship with hiking and excited to continue to incorporate it as part of my well-being rituals.
Spring/ Summer is my absolute favorite time to hike! When everything is in bloom - the sensory experience is like no other. There’s never a need to be intimidated by the hiking experience. There aren’t a tone of gizmos and gadgets needed for able bodied first time hikers. If you’re doing a short trail, all you need are some comfortable shoes/boots, mosquito repellant, extra pair of sleeves, hat, water and of course snacks ( if you’re a snacker like me)- usually granola & fruit.
The warm season is so much fun! However, I actually have a new found joy of hiking during the Fall/Winter season. Despite the pandemic, I’m finding that hiking is a great option to spend time outside time while socially distancing. You’re able to engage outdoors while keeping a safe distance from others to minimize the spread of Covid19. I find it really beautiful and tranquil and aids in the mental and emotional transitions of the season, especially during these challenging times. On these cold season hikes - I pack relatively light - Additional layers of clothing, water and my favorite organic granola which happens to be by Nature’s Path!
Let me just mention something about snacking while hiking …. Backpacking as a teenager is when I first learned about the importance of healthy snacking and it makes a huge difference when you’re on the trails. The nostalgia and health values of packing granola as a kid have always stayed with me into adulthood and I plan to pass those on to my future children.
Overall - I’m sharing a bit about my story to encourage everyone to safely spend some time in the outdoors. It’s such a huge benefit to our physical, mental and spiritual health especially during this time of added chaos. As a sustainability vanguard - so much of our personalized activism and advocacy is rooted in the small decisions we make daily that helps to sustain our happiness and wholeness. Sustainability starts with self and builds through community.
