I’m on my fourth day of self-isolation as I write this column, not because I’m sick or know I have the virus but simply because I want to do my part in limiting the spread of Covid-19.

If there’s even a small chance I have the virus right now, I don’t want to risk giving it to others without knowing it.

While working from home has its perks, Most days I still miss heading to the office and talking to whoever comes in that day.

I’ve been surviving with minimal face-to-face contact because I’ve still been chatting with friends on social media.

It’s been a big help to being cooped up in my small apartment.

I’ve also been surviving by going for walks throughout the day.

Since we aren’t in a mandatory stay-at-home order as other places were at points throughout this uncertain time, I’ve been capitalizing on the opportunity to go out for walks while still keeping my distance from other people on the trails.

I think it’s really important for people to get outside right now.

Social Distancing doesn’t mean you have to lock yourself inside until this situation dissipates.

Even Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, is encouraging people to go outside at this time to help with their mental health throughout this.

People are experiencing enough stress on a daily basis hearing updates that aren’t always positive without having the chance to go outside and get some fresh air.

So, if you feel the need to go outside and gain that extra bit of sanity back, DO IT!!

The only thing people need to do when going outside is keep their distance from other people.

If you do that, you’ll be totally fine.

I recently went out for an hour-long walk by the river and I felt so much better the rest of the day compared to the days I stayed inside.

I hope everyone in staying safe and following the guidelines that have been put in place for us!

The quicker we fall in line with what we’re being asked to do, the sooner we’ll be able to go back to the sense of normalcy we were accustomed to.