While many restaurants across the country have opened back up, you may feel safer opting for a picnic in the park rather than going inside a restaurant since an outdoor gathering is a great opportunity to safely hang out with friends. We talked to Suzanne Bartlett Hackenmiller, M.D., an integrative medicine physician and the medical advisor and for AllTrails (an app designed to help you get outside safely), about the benefits of spending time outside and what you can do to make your outdoor gathering as safe as possible. Hackenmiller told us if you’re feeling restless, making plans to go outside for a picnic (or even just a walk outside) is one of the best ways to boost your mental health. “As long as you are healthy and practicing responsible social distancing, it’s more important than ever to get outdoors at this time; not just for physical health, but particularly for the mental health benefits,” she says. “Getting outside also supports our immune system. From the vitamin D that we soak in courtesy of the sun (just remember the sunscreen!) to the phytoncides we inhale from the trees and soil, spending time outdoors is a great way to stay healthy.” But keep in mind that just because you’re outside doesn’t mean you get a free pass. “Even as restrictions start to loosen, we should all still be cautious and use our best judgment when out in public spaces,” Hackenmiller says. You’ll still need to practice social distancing around those who aren’t vaccinated, and there are other safety tips you should know, too. Here are seven guidelines you should follow for a safe picnic this summer. Once you find the perfect spot, just remember that your patch of grass should be a good distance away from others who are gathered in the same park. If you’re concerned, you can opt to have a picnic in your backyard!
