Plenty of studies have shown that being out in nature can boost your mood, clear your mind, and help you to de-stress.  It’s also great for exercise.  With some restrictions being lifted in various cities and counties, it’s now possible to go to some beaches and parks.

However, it’s imperative that safety precautions are taken. California State Parks recommend that you stay home if sick, venture out only with people in your immediate household, walk around your neighborhood and enjoy neighborhood parks, always maintain a physical distance of six feet or more when recreating in the outdoors, and not congregate in parks. It also advises leaving parks in the event physical distancing cannot be maintained—for example, on crowded or too-narrow trails. The service also instructs people to stay close to home when going outdoors. “This is not the time for a road trip to a destination park or beach,” a March 26 California State Parks press release instructs.