During the global Covid-19 pandemic, “quarantine” and “social distancing” became household terms that characterized everyday life for many Americans for months. Dreaming up quarantine activities was like an antidote for cabin fever and suddenly millions of people began to answer the call of nature.
A survey by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation found that 66% of Americans were doing more outdoor activities closer to home and 32% were doing more outdoor activities than ever before! We’re finding that this newfound appreciation for nature isn’t just a temporary crutch to pass the time; people have reported feeling happier, more relaxed, and reconnected with their loved ones.
Since quarantine activities are limited to what you can do within your home or at a safe distance outdoors, there have been participation increases across the entire spectrum of recreational interests. Boating and fishing top the list.
Of the Americans surveyed, 50% had gone fishing during quarantine and 63% said the appealing reason to try it was due to the mental health benefits of fishing.
The pandemic has been one of the great challenges we’ve faced as a nation, but thankfully, we’ve had the privilege of reconnecting with nature, thus finding happiness amidst the tribulations.
While quarantine activities won’t always be necessary, we can continue to apply the fundamental concepts of slowing down, disconnecting from technology, and trying new things outside. Busy schedules and fast-paced lifestyles are the norm of modern American society, so much so that we fail to realize how quickly the days slip by.
Go fishing. Try out boating. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, landscape painting, bird watching—there’s no shortage of mood-boosting activities to do outside! Once upon a time, nature was the primary source of food, entertainment, and income. Let’s answer the call of nature and get back to our roots!
