There are statewide stay at home orders to help cut down on the number of novel coronavirus cases, but health officials are still encouraging Coloradans to get outside and exercise, as long as they do so in a safe and responsible manner.
First and foremost: No matter what, if you feel sick, stay home. It will help both you and your community.
But if you are healthy and wish to be outside for a purpose — not just to hang out — that’s allowed under the definition of “essential activities” in the order. In other words, you’re welcome to soak up that vitamin D if you follow a few new rules.
Avoid crowds and practice social distancing from other people by at least six feet, if not more. In addition, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is asking Coloradans to avoid visiting places that are too remote. First responders already have their hands full with COVID-19 and while search and rescue teams are ready to help if need be, they could get overloaded if the number of calls increase and available responders decrease, CPW said.
In addition, all sport games and group activities in Denver are no longer permitted.
Obeying these rules while satisfying a crave for outdoor exercise and fresh air will not only help you stay healthy, but will prevent too many cases from happening at the same time, which would overload the state’s medical resources.
Why should I get outside? What are the benefits?
Research shows that spending time outside and in nature has multiple physical and mental benefits, ranging from lowering stress to boosting morale. So, CPW is encouraging those who are able to safely participate in outdoor activities to do so.
During a stressful time such as this, it’s important to find healthy ways to strengthen your body, both physically and mentally. That, in turn, can help boost your immune system.
Staying indoors for multiple days or weeks at a time can be stressful for some, which not only weakens your immune system, according to the Cleveland Clinic, but can also cause depression and anxiety. Too much stress leads to too much cortisol in your body, decreasing your white blood cells that help fight off infections. This puts you at a higher risk for getting a virus.
Daily exercise — especially outside — not only reduces anxiety, but increases your body strength to fight off those infections.
Exercising outdoors also means you’re getting sun exposure, which is the most natural way to get vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the body keep a well-functioning immune system, according to CPW.
Being outside can boost your immune system in another way too: A study published by US National Library of Medicine shows that if you breathe in the airborne chemicals that plants give off, called phytoncides, it can reduce blood pressure and boost immune functioning, CPW said.
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