As the spread of coronavirus continues, people of all ages have been faced with a multitude of adversities. Some big and some small but everyone has a different ways of coping with this drastic change.
People in my community, Newport Beach or at large Orange County, have discussed among friends and peers ways of dealing with boredom and social distancing as a whole.
Ed Eaton, who has lived in Newport Beach for over 25 years, said he found new things to do that he has never thought of doing before. “I have become a hiker,” he said. “I go out to El Moro every other day and hike all the trails they have there. It has been a great workout for me and something I have really never done before,” said Eaton. “Being outside in the fresh air has allowed me to free my mind of all the stress that has been draped over me the past couple of weeks.”
Finding new ways to workout since gyms have been closed all across the area has been an area of emphasis for locals and they have been trying to execute many forms of exercise while also practicing social distancing.
Cory Lang lives with her husband and two daughters and said that going on walks has become a part of her daily agenda since her job as a 4th grade teacher has been compromised due to the pandemic.
“I start every day with a walk around Balboa Island,” said Lang. “It’s so peaceful down there and a relaxing activity for me to do while also getting in my daily exercise.” Lang said she feels comfortable walking the island because it is easy to keep a distance from people and that there is no harm going on a little walk.
Walks and hikes have been a great way for citizens to stay active and some have picked up bike riding as well.
Trudy Padden, who is a junior as at the University of California Santa Barbara, said she has been riding the bike trails around the Back Bay for the first time in her life. “I have lived in Newport Beach my entire life but I have never gone on a bike ride on these trails and I have no reason why,” said Padden. “I love doing it so much now and I will definitely add it to my routine once all of this craziness is over.”
Most of the beaches have closed down to the public along the coast of Southern California but this mainly prohibits tourists not the locals.
Marc Annenberg, a resident of Newport Beach for the past 17 years, lives on the peninsula. His home is on the beach and he explained how grateful he was that he lives on the beach in these trying times.
“Living on the sand has been a blessing for me and I have got to access the beach with no problem from police or the lifeguards on duty. I have been able to surf every morning and that has taken a lot of stress off of me,” said Annenberg.
Annenberg said that he was surprised initially that the beaches were shut down but was relieved that it was not enforced on the locals and that they could still use the beach as a safe haven. He reiterated that surfing had become therapeutic for him and not just a fun activity.
