Social Distancing? Here’s 15 Things To Do On or Around Your Waterbody

April 3rd, 2020

Written by Ysabella Bhagroo, Digital Marketing Specialist

During this time of social distancing it’s easy to feel alone, overwhelmed or stir crazy. Although we can’t control the state of the country, we can control how we decide to use our time. It’s important to stay hopeful and focus on your physical and mental well-being. An excellent way to do this is by finding sanctuary and solitude in nature. Water heals our bodies and minds. And right now, that makes our lakes and ponds more essential than ever. So, if you’re looking for ways to keep yourself and your family entertained and healthy during this time of self-isolation and social distancing, we have some excellent recommendations.

Here are 15 outdoor activities you can enjoy on or around your waterbody:

Be Active:

1. Hiking or Jogging

Lace up your shoes and go for a beautiful nature hike or jog around your waterbody. Enjoy the spring breeze and don’t forget to bring your furry friend!

2. Biking

Dust off those training wheels and ride the path that circles your lake. Try a casual pace to relax. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious and want to let off some steam then kick it into high gear. Don’t forget your helmet!

3. Swimming

If it’s not too chilly, consider taking a dip in the water. Swimming is refreshing and a great way to stay fit.

4. Paddle Boarding

If you own a paddle board and happen to live next to a large lake, this is the perfect time to take it out for a spin. Paddle boarding is better for your back than kayaking or canoeing, so it’s great for any age. Stand up on this oversized surfboard and paddle your way downstream. It can be challenging to find your balance, but once you do it’s a peaceful cruise in the sunshine.

5. Kayaking or Canoeing

Not only are kayaking and canoeing great cardio activities, they’re great upper body workouts. Originally used several millennia ago as vessels to hunt and fish, today they’re still used to interact with nature directly, as you’re right on the water. Go where a boat can’t normally take you, explore every nook and cranny, and enjoy the blissful sound of your paddle lapping the water.

Be Relaxed:

6. Sunbathe

Warm and sunny day? Rollout your beach towel and get some much-needed Vitamin D. Close your eyes and fall asleep to the lapping water.

7. Picnic

Scour your fridge for your favorite sandwich and soda and set up a nice picnic waterside. Everyone enjoys dinner with a view! Either go solo, or if you’re with your household, bring some board games and yard sports.

8. Backyard Camping & Skygazing

Dig out your tent from the garage and ask your kids to help set up camp near your pond. Roast marshmallows over a backyard bonfire, watch the sunset, lay down some blankets and share some scary stories. When the stars peek through the dark, have a contest to see who can spot the most constellations or coolest shape.

9. Fishing

Whether you’re fishing to eat or to catch and release, there’s something undeniably exciting about casting a line into water and seeing what nibbles. The process may take a bit of patience and finesse, but a when you feel that tug, be sure to reel in that big bass!

Get Mindful:

10. Yoga or Tai Chi

Try mindful meditation activities like yoga or tai chi. Roll out your yoga mat on the shore and settle into a little downward dog. Or try tai chi using graceful, slow aerobic movements. Centering your body chakra leads to health benefits such as improved balance, strength and flexibility. Not to mention, greater spiritual and spatial awareness.

11. Journaling

Your pond is a quiet, reflective place. Find some time to reconcile your thoughts and put pen to paper. Journaling is perfect if you’re entering a new chapter of life and need to evaluate how you’re spending your time. What’s important to you? What events are you participating in? Who are you spending time with? In a couple years, it might be interesting to look back to see how much you’ve grown.

12. Reading

The unread books on your shelf have been staring you down for ages. Now is the time to pick one, cozy up next to the water with some tea, and dig into the story. The best adventures are sometimes the ones in our mind.

13. Plant A Time Capsule

Creating a time capsule is more complex than meets the eye. It causes us to take a moment to reflect on and appreciate life’s blessings, and to share stories and lessons learned over the years. A highly personal project, there’s no rulebook for creating a time capsule. But consider sticking in photos, newspaper clippings, timely mementos, and personal letters. Decide on when you’d like it opened and the type of vessel you’d like to use. Lastly pick your favorite area next to your waterbody. Be sure that you are complying with local regulations before you bury it down deep!

Get Artistic:

14. Sketching or Painting

Look no further than your own backyard for inspiration. Lakes and ponds are beautiful landscapes to recreate on canvas. Play with watercolors, charcoal pencils and abstract designs. There are no limits to your creative ability.

15. Photographic Nature Walk

Time for an outdoor scavenger hunt! Make a list of plants and animals you hope to find around your waterbody. Take some gorgeous pictures and make note of any new species you encounter. Anything cute, creepy or crawly? Find the most Instagram-worthy shot and post it with the ‪#‎SolidarityInSolitude‬.‬‬‬‬‬

At SOLitude Lake Management we define “solitude” as the peaceful feeling gained from centering oneself through the appreciation and preservation of waterbodies. Even during this challenging period, there are still many ways we can find ‪#‎SolidarityInSolitude‬.

We can do that by maximizing our exploration of the great outdoors and by ensuring the progress you’ve made towards your freshwater goals is not reversed. ‬‬‬‬

It’s important to remember that in addition to serving as a space for peace and natural solitude in the face of coronavirus (COVID-19), our lakes, ponds and wetlands are an investment. One of the best ways to enjoy and protect these essential resources is by continuing to make progress towards your freshwater goals. Ongoing proactive management prevents serious and costly problems from developing that could be detrimental to the health of the waterbody, as well as the surrounding community.

Lastly, before engaging in any activities, make sure to follow all CDC guidelines and any local ordinances to prevent the spread of COVID-19. SOLitude Lake Management is committed to supporting government efforts to not only protect our nation’s water resources, but to safeguard all colleagues and clients.