9 Relaxing Things To Do in Florida By Yourself, COVID-19 or Not

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Florida is a beautiful place. It’s gorgeous views, sunsets, sunrises, and beaches are the top of the list in many worldwide travel guides.

But, with the threat of coronavirus and the instructions for social distancing and self-quarantine, can you still enjoy yourself here? If you’re wondering what there is to do here while avoiding crowds and keeping you and your family safe from the threat of infection, we’ve got you covered!

Here’s a great list of relaxing things you can do by yourself that will also help with the stress and anxiety of the current world situation.

1. Go For a Walk or Jog

Florida is known for the variety of different parks and recreation spaces they have all over the state. Go to a local park, where ever you find yourself, and enjoy the green space and walking trails.

Walking and jogging also release cortisone and lifts your spirits while also helping you avoid exhaustion. Getting sunshine also raises your vitamin D levels which is a crucial nutrient and lowers stress levels.

For a list of Florida parks, visit our partners at Visit Florida.

2. Enjoy the Beach

There’s something so special about the sand between your toes and the surf going over your feet. Breathing in the sea air has been proven to prevent illness and aid in different respiratory issues all throughout history.

In the 1800s, a Polish scientist named Felix Bochkovsky discovered that salt mine workers experienced less bronchial and respiratory distress than other people. Throughout the rest of the next century, doctors prescribed trips to the sea air for all sorts of respiratory illnesses like asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and more.

So, the science also backs up going to the beach, putting your feet up, and reading a beach book while breathing in the salt air. Make sure while you’re soaking up the sun, however, that you don’t forget the sunscreen.

The Florida sun is more powerful and it’s easier to burn here in the sunshine state. Sunscreen is important even on the most overcast of days, especially for your face.

Looking for the closest beach near you? Visit the Florida Beach Finder.

3. Searching for Sea Shells

Another fun beach activity that you can do is search for seashells. Hit the beach at sunrise for the best chance at the large beautiful shells Florida is known for.

From conch and cockle to whelp and coral, Florida is a paradise for shelling. This benefit of this activity is two-fold. You’ll be getting the salt sea air that’s so good for your health and searching for shells will also keep your mind occupied.

This allows you to become engrossed in the task and you’ll feel the stress and anxiety melt away while enjoying the gifts of nature.

If you’re in the Sanibel or Captiva Sands area, you’re in luck. The beaches are filled with the most beautiful shells in the world. Check out this shelling guide for that region.

4. Get Out and About In Your Own Backyard

If you’re a local, then we are sure you have at least a bit of backyard space. Take advantage of this forced time at home and do some landscaping projects you’ve been putting off.

With the weather being so wonderful, it’s a great time to do the mulching, plan and plant a garden, or tend to your plants that are already there. Getting out into the sunshine as often as possible is key to keep your mood elevated.

Also, the positive pheromones produced by plants heighten your mood as well. But don’t forget your Deet-Free bug spray, as we’re getting into mosquito season.

5. Give Your Pup Some Pawsitive Attention

Speaking of getting out in the backyard, when was the last time you spent a couple of hours just playing fetch with your dog? The furry folks in your house need some attention and exercise too.

Leash them up and go for a long walk around the block. If you’re on the Gulf Coast, take advantage of the Pinellas Trail to walk as long or as little as you’d like.

By sticking close to home you should be able to avoid most contact with large groups of people. Just remember to bring baggies to clean up after your pet and hand sanitizer to keep your hands clean while you’re out.

6. Take a Nap!

With all the hustle and bustle of everyday life when was the last time, you gave yourself permission to lay down in the middle of the day and take a nap? It’s probably been a while.

Use this time indoors to rest up and rejuvenate from all the long hours you’re usually putting in. Working from home has the added benefit of eliminating your normal commuting time so set the alarm later than usual, take a nap during your normal lunch hour or add the home commute time to the middle of the day to rest.

Even better, grab a hammock and set it up in the backyard. Grab a glass of wine and your favorite book or some headphones and listen to music while dozing in the backyard.

Especially in times of great stress rest is more important than ever. It will help you maintain a healthy immune system and keep you from spinning out with added anxiety.

7. Do Some Arts and Crafts

While your local big-box retailers are probably all out of water bottles and toilet paper, I bet they are still stock full of paint, canvases, clay, brushes, and yarn. This is the perfect time to find a new hobby.

Check out some new ones to market like gem art or find some challenging paint by numbers. Get yourself a set of hooks or needles and teach yourself to knit or crochet. YouTube tutorials are plentiful.

There are mini terrarium kits, you can make your own soap, you can make your own candles. Let yourself feel like a kid again and make something while you’re stuck inside.

8. Go Fishing

While the coronavirus has affected humans, it hasn’t affected our endless supply of fish. After all, our state is surrounded by water. So go fish!

If you don’t have one already, pick up a fishing pole online or at your favorite bait and tackle, and head to the water. There are several fishing piers throughout the state.

You can also leave your equipment at home and hire a fishing charter. If you hook something that belongs on your plate, consider enjoying a catch-to-cook experience.

Before you set sail, or head to the pier, make sure to visit FWC.com to obtain a fishing license. Tourists can purchase temporary licenses and locals can purchase annual permits. Also, reference the Recreational Regulations page to avoid fines.

9. Crystal River Manatee Swim

There’s nothing so uniquely Florida as swimming with a manatee. Crystal River offers one of the only tourism operators to experience this once-in-a-lifetime swim.

Let the sweet sea cows come to you as you enjoy the cool waters of the springs. Check out all the info here.

If Manatees don’t excite you, then bring a kayak, or wade in the waters of the Crystal River on your own.

Keep Yourself Healthy By Maintaining Your Outdoor Time in Relaxing Ways That Don’t Put You or Your Family at Risk

Don’t let fear or panic keep you from enjoying your life during a time like this. If you are not ill the last thing you want to do is sit on your couch and watch news coverage all day.

Get out there and keep enjoying the outdoors and getting in your exercise. Just practice some safe distancing, keep up proper handwashing habits, and do your best to avoid touching your face, eyes, and mouth, and you’ll be just fine.

Check out some other things to do here in Florida in the Visit section. You can even avoid the crowds in a new place as well.

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