Our world has been turned upside down these past few months, but one thing is for certain. We will get through this uncertainty.

It should never take a tragedy, much less a pandemic, to right our collective compass. Putting things into perspective is much easier, true, so I guess there’s that reality. Our leaders tell us to be smarter, live wiser and — in the case of a worldwide disease — distance ourselves from each other. All I can say to that is thank God we have the outdoors.

Social distancing is what we deer hunters do best. And while independence will help us from spreading COVID-19, for the purposes of this column I will focus on the mental health aspects of the exercise.

Here are just seven of the distancing practices I’ll be doing in the months ahead.

 1. Plant trees

I’ve had a 15-year obsession with pine, spruce and apple trees. Now is a good time to get my hands in the dirt and see what I can do with chestnuts, plums, pears and cherries.

2. Prepare food plots

Turning soil in and of itself is therapeutic. Planting seeds and watching them grow into lush deer food is a solitary activity that is more than mind cleansing.

3. Scout hunting spots

Even if you’ve hunted the same land for years, there’s always something to be learned by putting boot leather to the ground.

4. Shoot arrows

Since February, I do this every day without fail. For me, it is better than running or lifting weights when it comes to clearing my head.

4. Shoot guns

Even if you’re not a gun-range type of guy or gal, sighting in a rifle, shotgun or muzzleloader now in summer is going to put you way ahead of the curve come deer season.

5. Make firewood

This is something my dad made us do since we were kids. I absolutely hated it back then. Today, it is one of the most satisfying solo outdoor activities I can think of. Firewood heats you more than once, and the self-sufficiency cannot be measured.

6. Can fruits and vegetables

Don’t have your own veggie garden? No worries. Make one trip to the local farm market and buy in bulk. There’s plenty of websites and YouTube videos to show you how to put up your own food. My wife and I have been doing this for decades now, and we find it as the perfect complement to all of the venison we bring home in fall.

7. Enjoy God’s Creation

Each and every day should start like this (below). It doesn’t require “doing” anything … other than stepping outside your porch door. Revel in His creation. It will recharge your batteries for sure.

What can you add to this list? I’m sure there are dozens of more really good ideas out there. Drop me a line and let me know. I’d love to hear from you.