If there is anything the year 2020 taught us, it’s that we cannot take what we have for granted. Being locked up with nothing much to do, most of us spent 2020 summer propped up in front of the TV with the AC on. There was nothing much to do. As summer 2021 approaches, rules on quarantine are relaxed, which gives us the chance to try out new and fun things. If you have been indoors for so long that you have no idea where to start planning, these few ideas will come in handy for you and the family.
1. Have a Backyard Barbecue
While you could not do this with friends and family in 2020, it is now an option for you. Summer is the perfect weather if you want to go camping or eat a homemade barbecue. Now that we are almost getting the hang of the new norm and there is a vaccine in the market, we can take a chance on meeting up with family. The one thing you might want to ensure when doing this is to limit the number of people you have over.
Where possible, only do this with the people you live in the same house with and maybe a couple of neighbors. If you choose to have a bonfire in the evening, you can get a bunch of games and some s’mores to roast on the open fire. It goes a long way to help you get rid of the loneliness creeping in during the quarantine period.
2. Go Bike Riding
If you live in an area with a park or bike trails, this is the perfect weather to go bike riding. If you can afford to buy or rent a Coolster, then the better for you. Bike rides are a great way to get some fresh air and get away from the house. You get to see more of the outside than you might have seen in ages. You can explore the bike trails on your own or with a friend or family. Ensure you check the weather before leaving the house and carrying plenty of water for you should you get parched. If you plan on going for the whole day, pack a couple of snacks as well. They will come in handy, especially if you choose to go on a lonely bike trail with no shops along with it. Consider getting a training power meter for your bike if one of your cycling goals is to get fit. This tool accurately measures your power output, so you can keep track of your cycling performance and progress and maximize every ride to reach your goals.
3. Become a Plant Parent
Summer is the perfect weather to grow a plant. There are so many plants in the market that requires little care. If you are still under lockdown in summer, then this is a great pastime activity. Do your research on the type of plant you want to grow and the conditions that would make it thrive. You do not have to grow a whole backyard of plants, but that can be a future goal. The great thing about this activity is, you do not have to do it with a crowd which reduces the risk of getting sick, and you will not spend a lot of money on it. The only thing you need to do is always care for your plants daily. Watching the plants grow can give you hope and motivate you to try your hand at other things as well. The whole process gives you something to look forward to. If you feel confident in your plant growing skills, you can plant more than one flower or plant. It would also be a great activity for children as they learn about how plants grow and become responsible since they are in charge of the plants. You can make it a nice pastime activity so your children do not feel like they have missed out on summer yet again.
Conclusion
The pandemic taught us a lot of things. We have learned to be patient and to hold on to hope even when there is nothing. While we spent the better part of 2020 worried, we have to learn how to live with the current situation. These few activities are great ideas to unwind and do something new. They will get you out of the funk you might be in and enable you to look forward to something. The most important thing you need to remember is to stay safe when around your friends.
