Restaurants were among the many businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as they were limited to takeout services for several months as people largely stayed in their homes. Additionally, all that time indoors has impacted the customers who would normally be patronizing these eateries. While it's still important to take pandemic precautions, eating out at restaurants provides a lot of benefits. Here's a closer look at why you should venture out safely for a bite.

What Are the Risks of Staying Inside Too Much?

A prolonged disruption of the norm can affect your physical, emotional, and mental health. Humans are social beings by nature, and those who experience consistent isolation are more likely to feel anxious and sad. Quarantining due to COVID-19 has caused many people to drink more, which compounds depressive feelings because of how alcohol affects the brain’s communication pathways. Drinking too much can also eventually cause physical problems such as liver inflammation and cirrhosis, high blood pressure, and decreased immunity. 

Spending too much time alone has also been shown to interfere with healthy sleep, partly because of how a lack of natural light affects circadian rhythms. Isolation-related excessive snacking can also occur, which increases weight gain risks. 

What Are the Benefits of Going Out to Eat?

Leaving the house and enjoying time outside has a calming effect that eases anxiety and stress. Outdoor dining at local restaurants with trusted friends and family members helps you stay social and reduce the blue feelings of isolation. Instead, you get to laugh, share stories, discuss various problems and challenges, and simply be near the people you love. If you're all vaccinated, you can even hug again. Human touch has been shown to not only reduce stress but also contribute to better sleep and improved immunity. Having a drink or two when you're out will also reduce the urge to kill time at home with alcohol.

You’ll also breathe fresher air and absorb the vitamin D your body makes in reaction to sunlight. Getting 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight per day avoids D deficiencies that decrease calcium absorption necessary for strong bones. Socially distanced outdoor dining is subsequently a wonderful way to improve your health and wellness, and you're able to get out and support your local community.

Dine outdoors on the stunning patio at L.A. Cafe in Whitestown, IN. From crab cakes to steak, the pet-friendly restaurant serves delicious American cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The staff also provides catering services for events of all sizes. Call (317) 769-7503 to ask about a table or visit the website today to explore the menu. Connect on Facebook for the latest updates.