Staying safe, physically & mentally

March 23, 2020

Dear friends,

In these uncertain times, we urge you to stay safe and healthy. Right now, that means social distancing and lots of handwashing, but we want to remind you of some other ways to promote physical and mental health.

It has been proven that being outdoors makes you happier and Harvard Medical School claims that just 20 minutes outdoors can help lift mood and reduce stress.

Our NOSP partner, Aquidneck Land Trust has announced that their nature trails on Aquidneck Island will remain open. You can search their interactive online map to find nature trails close to you. Many of ALT’s trails are wide open spaces and are less trafficked than the most popular trails on the island, making them perfect for getting outside and staying a safe distance from others.

Current recommendations from the RI Department of Health (RIDOH) & Center for Disease Control (CDC) are to stay 6 feet from others, referred to as “social distancing.” For more information from the CDC on how to stay safe, visit the CDC’s website. It is possible to follow these guidelines and enjoy nature and the outdoors to improve your physical and mental health.

Please stay home if you are sick and avoid getting close to other people if you do go out. 

Here are some ways you can enjoy the outdoors, safely:

  • Go for a walk in natural open areas with a (non-symptomatic) buddy, practicing social distancing.
  • Sit outside in a park, yard, or garden and enjoy the sunshine!
  • Bring nature inside! Harvard Medical School says that listening to nature sounds can have a similar effect to being outdoors. Check out this forest birdsong video, take a deep breath, and relax.

From the CDC’s website, here are things you can do to support yourself:

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row. Newport County Mental Health remains a frontline healthcare provider and remains open. They are available for appointments, their number is 401-846-1213 both for emergency and non-emergency situations.

Stay healthy and we will all get through this together!