Around the world, many people have been homebound due to national lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. But as the restrictions begin to lift, for many, a sense of excitement is building!
There are so many options for what to do when the lockdown ends, but where do you start? There are likely things you’ve missed, longing to come back, and can’t wait to move on, but it’s important to organize your time and energy to make the most of them.
These top ten activity tips and ideas are the perfect starting point for life after the crash. They all inspire connection, community, good health, and fun!
If you’re excited about the end of the confinement, but aren’t sure where to start when planning your activities, why not start with these top ten things to do?
1. Host a barbecue
Barbecuing for your friends, family, or even the whole street is a great way to socialize while maintaining social distance if necessary. Studies show that the air circulates in a more sanitary way outside and that, in general, there is less risk of diseases.
Barbecues are also a wonderful way to spend more time outdoors after many months of being at home.
2. Visit a museum or gallery
After the monotony of confinement, many people may feel uninspired or unmotivated. A great way to jump-start your creativity or spark a new cultural interest is to visit a venue, and often for free! – attraction such as a museum or gallery.
This is also a great activity for the whole family and an opportunity to refresh your thoughts while enjoying the arts.
3. Experience live music
There are few things as exciting as experiencing your favorite band live. Whether you’ve booked live music for your event, are attending a festival or concert, or even supporting some friends in a band, now is the time to enjoy it.
However, be sure to protect your ears, as live music concerts can be extremely loud – especially after a long period of silence, such as during confinement!
Supporting artists and creatives who haven’t had access to an audience during the lockdown is also a great way to help ensure they continue to thrive.
4. Support for local businesses
If you’re shopping or dining, consider supporting a local or independent business rather than a thriving chain. Many companies in the retail and hospitality sectors were hit especially hard by the pandemic, but you can start supporting them again once the restrictions have been lifted.
5. Donate to charities
While donating to charities may not be a purely post-closing activity, many people are more conscious than ever about helping those in need. The pandemic affected businesses, but charities also badly beaten. If you can help even in a small way, consider donating money, or your time, to help a charity that is meaningful to you.
6. Spend more time in nature
Studies have shown that spending time in nature or ‘bathing in the forest’ not only has a positive impact on our mental well-being, it can also affect us physically by boosting immunity and the production of ‘happy hormones’.
Whether it’s for a hike, a picnic, or just sunbathing, try to make time to get outside every day.
7. Take a food tour
Instead of the well-known pub crawl, why not try a food tour? Choose from a selection of local cafes, restaurants or eateries and enjoy a full day of experiencing what they have to offer. This is also a great way to support local businesses after a challenging financial year.
8. Explore the best views
Wherever you are, research the places that are considered to have the best views in your area and be sure to visit them. After weeks or even months of viewing the same four walls indoors, enjoying the view can expand your horizons in more ways than one, helping you feel refreshed.
9. Continue with video calls
Video calls may be the last thing you want to do after the lockdown, but try to remember those with whom it helped you connect. Perhaps you called elderly relatives more often or friends who live far away?
Your calls will have helped them feel valued and included, so consider making a special effort to continue them.
10. Try something new!
After the crash is a good time to try something completely new. Local hobbies or classes in dance, painting, computer science, and more can be a great way to connect with your local community and increase your brainpower by learning a new skill.