The COVID-19 pandemic has come with endless restrictions: staying at home, having limited contact with other people, staying six feet apart from people, switching to virtual platforms for education or work, not being able to go to parties … you name it. The list goes on. But guess what? Time has not stopped. Life is not meant to be paused just because there is a pandemic. It is definitely overwhelming to think about how many more months we could be living this way. After all, we are humans and feel the NEED to go out. It’s a natural human desire. But how can we do it with so many restrictions? The answer is simple: Go out without going out. So, go get dressed, mask up, grab your hand sanitizer and get ready to go outside and keep living.

Jana Raphael, a transfer student at the University of Miami, shared advice for current students at the U and people living in Miami on how to get distracted and do outdoor activities while following COVID-19 measures. “I usually take my virtual classes outside of my bedroom,” Raphael said. “There are many places on campus where you can sit and take your classes on Zoom while enjoying the beautiful, hot weather of Miami without having to stay in your dorm all day.” On weekdays, Raphael meets her friends for lunch or a cup of coffee, and they talk for an hour or more while putting together last-minute assignments.

Raphael recommended that people in Miami go to outdoor restaurants on the weekends. She also suggested socially distanced road trips to the beach with friends, exercising, taking strolls by the water, having a picnic and switching up scenery for virtual classes.

UM freshman Gabriela Martinez also had advice on how to feel less overwhelmed during these challenging times. “My roommate and I go sit around the Lakeside in the gliders to either study, eat or spend some time outside,” Martinez said. “I enjoy exploring the beautiful city that is Miami and going for outdoor walks around the Design District and Wynwood — of course, all while wearing masks and practicing social distancing.”  

Martinez agreed that there are multiple places people can visit in Miami amid COVID-19 times. She advised people to go to outdoor places, take pictures at the beautiful walls in Miami or go to the beach and get a tan.

Both Raphael and Martinez assured that there are ways to enjoy outdoor activities while protecting yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19. Despite the restrictions, they still have fun and fulfill their human desire to go out. So, if you haven’t been out of your bedroom yet today because you think there’s no way of doing so, this is your chance to use all the energy in your body. Go outside for a while. Your body and mind will thank you later!

words_alejandra hernández design_ainsley vetter