03/26/2020
by Arleigh Rodgers
Most of us are home-bound for the next few weeks, and I know I’m not alone when I say I’m starting to go a little stir-crazy. But when all seems to be crumbling around me, I’m learning to take a few deep breaths to calm down. Usually I like to step outside and take in the fresh air rather than find a nook in my house for some privacy.
I’m trying to make it a priority to, after I finish my classes for the day and make myself some lunch, exercise once daily. I’ll do this by myself to prevent potentially getting anyone sick — even though I am not sick myself. It’s given me great peace of mind to be in the outdoors after a long day of work.
Depending on where you are in the Finger Lakes, your outdoor options can vary, but there’s always something beautiful around the corner. There are many natural parks where you can take a safe and solitary walk, and if you’re looking to get your body moving and explore a new setting, these state parks or long hikes can be a great option for some space away from the house. Just be sure to find someplace with a large setting and great views. And keep the recommended distance of six feet away from other people.
Recently I went on a walk down a nearby trail that leads for miles parallel to the Hudson River. I’m living at home right now because Ithaca College, like many other institutions around the country, is hosting classes online for the remainder of the semester. The walk and the view reminded me of how exciting it is to live in such a great location, even with all the craziness going on right now.
The same applies for my home in Ithaca and the exploring I’ve done through the finger lakes region. The boundless options for places to get fresh air makes me excited to seize the day in the morning. Although I may be operating on a home-away-from-my-Ithaca-home schedule, it’s nice to know we’re all breathing the same air, living under the same moon and stars, and watching this all unfold under the same warming sun. When the weather gets warmer, it’ll make being outside all the brighter!
Arleigh Rodgers is a junior English major at Ithaca College. She is currently the assistant Life & Culture editor at The Ithacan, Ithaca College’s student-run newspaper. She enjoys reading, playing the piano and visiting the Ithaca Farmer’s Market every weekend.
