Time Outdoors While Social Distancing
As difficult as it may be, people must stay home to slow the spread of COVID-19. Still, as long as you stay away from other people, you can soak up the sun. Here are some tips on how to pass the time outdoors while social distancing.
Landscape
Now is the perfect time to show your lawn a little love. Not only will landscaping improve your home’s curb appeal, but you’ll also get to spend some time outside while tackling this task. Look for gorgeous flowers online and opt for contact less delivery from your local hardware store. You’ll forget all about the world’s craziness when you’re planting a beautiful garden. Think about sprucing up your backyard, as well. Create an oasis that you’ll want to escape to this summer. Purchase lounge chairs off the internet and install post light fixtures that’ll make it easier for you to see out there when things get dark.
Exercise
Sadly, New York gyms are closed for the foreseeable future. However, don’t use this as an excuse to be a couch potato. Burn some calories outside this summer. Put a workout video on your phone and set things up in the backyard. Runners can also jog around the block if they stay away from others. Exercise-lovers should think about purchasing extra equipment online, too. Buy a jump rope so that you can break a sweat in the sun. Or, get a resistance band that you can tie to a railing for an incredibly tough workout.
Meditate
This is an unprecedented moment in history. There’s so much uncertainty in the air; it’s unhealthy for people to stay in and watch the news all day. If you need fresh air and want to clear your mind, try meditating outside. If you’ve never meditated before, download an app on your phone to help you through the process. Be sure to look at the reviews before you give it a try, though. You’ll feel so much better once you step away from the television and listen to the birds chirp outside.
Follow these tips on how to pass the time outdoors while social distancing if you’re looking for a change of scenery. One positive about this crazy situation is that the weather is getting warmer. Enjoy the sunshine. As long as you stay away from other people, you can still catch a tan this summer.
In 2026, outdoor wellness apps with AI-guided meditation and nature soundscapes have surged in popularity, making it easier than ever to turn your backyard into a true digital detox sanctuary.
Outdoor Dining & Alfresco Entertaining
Just because restaurants are off the table doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the pleasure of a beautifully set meal. Transform your patio, balcony, or backyard into a chic outdoor dining destination that would make any Manhattan rooftop envious. Pull out your nicest tableware, light some candles, and plate your home-cooked meals with intention. Even a fire escape can become a stylish bistro setting with a little creativity.
Think beyond the basic barbecue. Experiment with cuisines you’ve always wanted to try — a Moroccan tagine, a Spanish paella, a classic New Orleans crawfish boil. Cooking a destination-inspired meal outdoors gives you a mini mental vacation without ever leaving your zip code. You can even theme your evenings: dress up, curate a playlist, and pour a proper cocktail. The ritual of it all does wonders for your mental health.
- Invest in a portable outdoor speaker for ambiance
- String café lights overhead for an instant atmosphere upgrade
- Order specialty ingredients via contactless delivery from local markets
- Try a new recipe each week to keep things exciting and fresh
Eating outside, even solo or with your household, creates a meaningful break in the day and reminds you that life’s small luxuries are still very much within reach.
Creative Pursuits That Thrive in Natural Light
There’s a reason artists have chased sunlight for centuries — natural light is simply irreplaceable. Use your outdoor time as an opportunity to explore a creative hobby you’ve been putting off. Sketching, watercolor painting, photography, and even fashion journaling all take on a completely different energy when done outside. Set up a folding table in your yard or find a sunny corner of your balcony and let the surroundings inspire you.
Photography enthusiasts should grab their cameras — or even just their smartphones — and document their immediate world. Macro shots of flowers in your garden, architectural details on your block, or candid portraits of household members make for compelling personal projects that sharpen your eye over time. Many online galleries and Instagram communities are actively celebrating this kind of intimate, stay-at-home visual storytelling right now.
Writers and journalers will also find that stepping outside shakes loose creative blocks in ways that staring at a screen simply cannot. Bring a notebook, observe what’s around you, and let the quieter rhythms of an outdoor setting reset your creative baseline.
- Watercolor kits are widely available for contactless delivery
- Start a pandemic photo diary — it will be historically significant someday
- Join virtual creative challenges hosted by online art communities
- Sketch neighborhood architecture or botanicals from your garden
Mindful Nature Walks & Neighborhood Exploration
You don’t need a sprawling upstate retreat to connect with nature. Even the most urban New Yorker can find unexpected green pockets, quiet side streets, and overlooked architectural gems within walking distance of home — provided you go at off-peak hours and maintain a safe distance from others. Think of it as becoming a thoughtful tourist in your own neighborhood.
Mindful walking — as opposed to a rushed commute or a distracted stroll — is a proven stress-reduction technique. Leave your earbuds at home for once. Notice the texture of tree bark, the way light hits a brownstone at golden hour, or the sound of birds that were always there but drowned out by city noise. This kind of sensory awareness grounds you in the present moment and is particularly powerful during periods of collective anxiety.
To add structure and purpose to your walks, consider setting small, achievable goals each time you head out:
- Photograph five things you’ve never noticed before on your block
- Identify a new plant or bird species using a free nature identification app
- Map a new route each day to keep the experience feeling fresh
- Practice a ten-minute walking meditation using a guided audio app
These intentional outdoor moments accumulate into something genuinely restorative — and they cost absolutely nothing.
