47% of people report a negative impact of the virus on their mental health
According to Harris Polls™, 47 percent of people report a negative impact of the virus on their mental health, with experts predicting a rise in depression and anxiety. Simultaneously, individuals' outlook on travel has changed, with 73 percent saying they no longer feel safe on commercial flights and 67 percent stating they'll wait more than three months to travel after states reopen.
As a result, people are craving connection and intimacy along with a deeper association with nature. In the past, a long vacation far away might have been the answer to this existential crisis but, given COVID-19, the way in which people decompress and refresh is predicted to shift. It is anticipated that people will seek to get away, using vacations for local and regional travel, visiting friends and family, and becoming more mindful of themselves or their surroundings through day-trips to surrounding areas. All of this is designed to foster a deeper connection with their environment.
Physical activity is a known contributing factor to improved mental health. There is, however, a key component missing in the equation. This necessary component is nature and outdoor activities.
Peloton, Mirror, Tread, yoga or Zumba class routines can be boosted by turning your routines outside. These nature-related adventures have an even greater
impact on mental health and happiness. While that walk around the park provides significant cardiac, lung and other health benefits, and should be part of any active lifestyle, nature-based outdoor activities generate more benefits over movement alone.
