The stay-at-home orders related to COVID-19 have changed the way we live our lives and may have altered our mood a bit. While these feelings are understandable, many people have found the upsides to social isolation, more time for new hobbies. There are several activities you can try if you’d like to transform your social isolation experience from one of boredom to one of fun and magic.
Stargazing
If you’ve always loved astronomy, now may be the perfect time to pick up the stargazing habit, particularly if your kids’ schools have closed for the remainder of the year. There’s no soccer practice or late night homework to impede your star-gazing activities. To get started, you’ll need a telescope and an open patch of ground that is free of tree cover. You may also want to download some cool apps, like Google Sky Map, Nightly Star Charts, and Star Walk, to give you some ideas on where you should go exploring first.
Gardening
Gardening has become a popular activity in these days of social isolation. Aside from the fact that it can give you the chance to grow some of your own food, it’s also a great way to get out and be active. To get started, you’ll need gardening equipment, like seeds, soil, fertilizers, and gardening tools. Most big box stores that sell gardening supplies and hardware should still open during this pandemic. However, you can also order items online, including seeds. There are some benefits of online seed sales. Aside from the fact that you can follow the stay at home order, you also have more seed options. If you’re interested in heirloom or organic seeds, this is definitely the way to go.
Outdoor Movie Night
Having an outdoor movie night is like going to the drive-in right in your own backyard. This fun family activity allows you and yours to watch your favorite flicks under the night sky. Since it’s like the drive-in, you feel like you’re leaving home, without actually doing so. To get set up, you’ll need a screen of some sort. You can order a blow-up movie screen online, or if you have a flat wall, you can project the movie onto that. You can also order a DVD player that comes with a projector function. Once all of the elements are in place, just put in one of your favorite movies, pop the popcorn, and go.
If you’re like most people, you look forward to the post-COVID days when it’s possible to go out and mingle with friends again. However, this time can be a special and fun time if you look at it through the right lens.
Although you can still have fun during quarantine, check out 5 Tips for Hosting a Fun After-Quarantine Party after restrictions are lifted.