Shut-in, locked down, and STUCK.
It’s easy to feel glum right now, after three months of coronavirus and still no true end in sight. But there’s a bright side to the latest news. And I mean that literally.
If you’re worried about going outside and the thought of even talking to a neighbor through the hedge has you nervous, I get it. Watching the news has many of us feeling that way.
But if stepping out the front door fills you with dread I have the scoop on a new report which could deliver just the breath of fresh air you need right now.
Many states are already easing restrictions. Yours may be too.
But there’s MORE to the story.
And not only can that “more” help put your mind at ease. It could give you the confidence you need to finally get outside and enjoy the fresh summer air, along with the many benefits for your mind, body, and spirit that come with it.
The SUNLIGHT FIX for coronavirus fears
We’re going to first head overseas to complete the picture. The British government just revised its lockdown rules.
They’re not allowing gatherings, or letting people from different households cozy up together still, of course. But they are encouraging people to get outside more.
According to the British experts the risk of getting the infection while outside is FAR lower than it is indoors. The sheer volume of air outside – not to mention the breeze – rapidly dilutes the virus, unlike in closed-up spaces indoors where it can accumulate and circulate.
In addition, the UV light of the sun can quickly damage the virus itself, making it harder to survive on surfaces.
In other words, they say UK citizens should get outside – where they not only can enjoy the great weather, but they could even chat with friends and neighbors as long as they stick to social distancing rules of AT LEAST six feet or more. And of course they’re also being told to wear their masks when around other folks and continue to wash their hands frequently.
At first that might sound a lot more flexible than the strict rules put in place by U.S. public health authorities. But, I’ve got good news. It’s really not THAT different.
For your health and wellbeing head outside
As far back as March, the CDC said it believed it takes about 15 minutes of close contact with someone who has the virus to get sick.
In other words, casually passing someone – ideally from six feet or more – outside does not appear to pose much of a risk.
However, because the virus is so new… and so little is known about it… most guidelines err on the side of caution. Remember our favorite motto, “better safe than sorry.”
And of course all bets are off if during even a brief encounter someone coughs or sneezes on you. Which is why keeping your distance and wearing your mask remain critical even when outside.
But as long as you’re following the general guidelines and avoiding crowds, experts confirm it’s relatively safe to get out and enjoy yourself – to the park, to the beach, or even simply around your own neighborhood. Just be sure to stick close to home.
Being outside is great for physical health and your mental wellbeing, too. And it’s especially important for the production of vitamin D and release of artery-opening nitric oxide.
In fact, when it comes to the coronavirus and heading outside the CDC says on their OWN website…
“Staying physically active is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. In many areas, people can visit parks, trails, and open spaces as a way to relieve stress, get some fresh air and vitamin D, stay active, and safely connect with others.”
See? Like I said, the US and British health authorities’ advice on heading outside isn’t all that different. And after all this time under lockdown I think we can ALL agree it’s just great to get out.
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