More than a year has passed since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, and as a result, almost every aspect of our lives has changed. Restrictions have made us rethink how we work, how we socialise, and what we do for fun. The hard lockdown months, specifically, have made most of us now appreciate being able to get outdoors more than ever.
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As we get further into 2021 and restrictions lift, sporting events and activities are slowly returning to the calendar. While these events may look a bit different – fewer participants, more regulations and most happening outdoors – they’re more popular than ever. When we look at the year we’ve just had, this makes sense, and here’s why:
We value our health more
After seeing people around us becoming ill, or becoming ill ourselves, we’ve become much more conscious of how valuable our health is, and how important it is to look after it. One of the best ways to do this is to stay fit and healthy through exercise, as this builds our immune system to help us fight infections. As the pandemic gained traction, the WHO recommended that people stay active as much as possible – even in challenging circumstances like self-quarantine – as low levels of physical activity can have negative effects on one’s health, wellbeing and quality of life.
We want to socialise again – safely
All the restrictions on social gatherings have made us miss our friends, our families, and our communities. While people still want to stay safe and prevent the spread of the virus, they also want to live their lives and be part of normal society again. Participating in smaller, more regulated outdoor events is one way of being part of a social gathering that’s safe and responsible.
One example of such an event is the Fedhealth Magalies Monster MTB & Platinum Trail Run, being held on 5th and 6th of June in the scenic surrounds of the Magaliesburg. The events will feature distances for all skills, ages and fitness levels, and stringent Covid-compliant measures will be in place such as sanitising stations and temperature checks.
We want to get back to nature outdoors again
When the world around us is in chaos, being in nature helps keep us grounded and lowers our stress levels. Whether it’s sitting in your local park, walking on a beach or going on a bike ride in the mountains, connecting with nature is one of the quickest ways to take your mind off your fears and anxieties. Outdoor activities are also a great way of cultivating a longer term positive outlook to help you deal more effectively with negative emotions you may be experiencing.
We’re getting creative with entertainment
With everything from movie theatres and shops to restaurants and live events being closed to differing degrees, we’ve had to relook at what we do with our leisure time. At least one positive effect of the pandemic’s restrictions has been the chance for all of us to simplify our lives. Instead of going out to elaborate dinner parties, having a simple picnic in the fresh air has suddenly become more appealing – and at one stage, it was one of our only choices of things to do! As we get further into 2021 and some of our “normal” activities return, many people may not want to go completely back to the old normal, but rather cultivate a simpler way of life going forward.
The great outdoors has never been as appealing as it is right now, given its health benefits and our restrictions in the activities we can partake in. With several smaller organised outdoor events now opening up in 2021, it’s no wonder people are rushing to enter them, as they’re fun things to look forward to in yet another uncertain year.
