4 Ways to Get Out of the House While Being Socially Distant

Sick of staring at the same four walls? It may be time for a change of scene. Here’s how to get out of your house—without taking on unnecessary risks.

None of us can stay inside every day without starting to go a little stir crazy. If you’re feeling anxious about being cooped up, it’s high time to get outside—and luckily, there are plenty of ways you can do so while still social distancing. Whether you decide to go on your own or with your friends, just be sure to keep your hand sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE) in reach.

Take a Hike

Fall is a perfect time of year to get outdoors and into nature: The weather is cool (ideal for working up a sweat) and, if you live in an area with foliage, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful sight than that of the treeline turning red, orange, and yellow. You can go by yourself or with friends, while easily staying six feet or more apart. Don’t forget to bring snacks so that you can keep your energy levels up. The Chill Pack is great for bringing food or drinks along—it’s insulated and leak-proof—and even comes with a built-in bottle opener.

Plan a Picnic

If hiking isn’t your style, but the idea of spending time outside appeals to you, why not plan a picnic at your local park? The Chill Break has plenty of room and can keep your food and drinks cold for hours. If it’s a solo venture, don’t forget to pack a great read, fun magazine, or other form of entertainment. If you’re meeting friends, have everyone bring their own blanket and snacks. As long as you spread your blankets out a safe distance apart—and use the appropriate sanitization or protective equipment as needed—you can enjoy hanging out with your friends without getting too close for comfort.

Ride Your Bike

Another great way to get outside your house is to go on a bike ride. Depending on how close you are to trails, you may be able to pedal to them or, if they’re farther out, drive to the nearest trailhead with your bike in the back of the car. If you’re in a city, there may be a trail closer than you realize. According to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, there are about 23,000 miles of rails-trails in the U.S.—that is, railways that have been converted to public paths for walking, biking, cross-country skiing, and more—and many of them cut through cities. There’s the BeltLine in Atlanta; the 606 in Chicago; the Monon Rail Trail in Indianapolis; and hundreds of more across the country.

Play Tourist

Chances are, you don’t know your city or town as well as you think you do. Why not spend a day seeing the sights? Maybe your area has a ton of great street art or a beautiful botanic garden you can view on foot or by car. Or maybe you can do a walking tour—check online for a guidebook or podcast guide you can download before you set out. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to pack a camera in your Far Out 40 so that you can snap a few photos for the ’gram.

How did you get out of the house? Let us know! Share your pics with us on social media with #LifeUnzipped.

By: Jessen O’Brien