Additional reporting by Michael Sipes and Elizabeth van Blommestein.
For a lot of people, participating in sports or exercising in general functions as a distraction from the stress of everyday life. The restriction of competitive sports and gym closures due to contact and exposure risks have added even more stress to people’s lives. Many have turned to new outdoor activities to get their daily dose of freedom and exercise in. Hiking, biking and skateboarding have been among the most popular to try during the pandemic.
“There are all sorts of places you can go up into the Marin Headlands,” said a Sports Basement employee. “There’s some biking up there and also Mt. Tamalpais, but you have to drive a little bit. The closest [are] Corte Madera and Water Dog [Lake].”
“During COVID right now, staying grounded in a way with nature is really important”
Junior Cassie Vass began hiking and biking more during the pandemic to get outdoors more and spend time with family and friends. She’s especially enjoyed exploring trails in her own neighborhood as well as hiking in Sugarloaf Park.
“There’s one [trail at Sugarloaf Park] that’s really steep, and it’s a really good workout,” Vass said. “The view from up there is so pretty too. You can see all of Hillsborough and San Mateo, and it’s really nice. Being in nature is so beautiful, and I think during COVID right now, staying grounded in a way with nature is really important.”
Instead of participating in more popular activities like hiking and biking, senior Ella Bartlett decided to take to the coastline and begin surfing. She had taken part in the sport before, but had forgotten about it until the pandemic put everything else in her life on pause.
“While I’m in the water, all of my problems seem to just disappear”
“In May 2020, I didn’t have a lot to do, and it was taking a toll on me,” Bartlett said. “So, I picked up one of my old boards and just went out to Pacifica.”
Not only is surfing an effective form of exercise for Bartlett, but it’s an escape from stress. When she wants to focus on something other than the happenings of her life, she simply hits the beach.
“Surfing has a really positive impact on my mental health,” Bartlett said. “While I’m in the water, all of my problems seem to just disappear as I focus on the waves and being present. It makes me feel truly alive, and that kind of stimulation can be pretty hard to find these days.”
Vass has also noticed a positive shift in her emotional well-being since she started spending more time outdoors.
“Going outside definitely helps my mental health,” Vass said. “Being cooped up all day is not very good for your mental health because you’re stuck in your house with all of your problems. I feel like getting outside helps you escape the overthinking at home and being stuck in one place all the time.”
While it’s been very difficult to stay motivated during this pandemic, Bartlett, Vass and many other people have managed to find something that keeps them excited for each day to come. Whether it’s hiking, biking, kayaking or surfing, finding a way to get outside and immerse yourself in what the world has to offer is a good idea.
