Terri Ramsey Beavers Even if you’re lucky enough to have avoided being infected with the coronavirus, it may still have wrought huge changes in your day-to-day life. You may well have to adjust to the mixed blessings of working from home. You may have been placed on furlough. Or you may be one of the unlucky ones who has been let go from their job during the outbreak. The longer we spend in quarantine, the smaller our homes may feel. Indeed, it may well feel like the walls are closing in around you and a wealth of wonderful outdoor activities are completely out of your reach.
Image by Brett Sayles via Pexels
Still, rather than bemoaning the activities that we can’t enjoy, let’s focus on building a sense of anticipation for them. As hard as it may be to see the light at the end of the tunnel, the current state of affairs won’t last forever. Now is the perfect time to focus your thoughts on all the fun things you have to look forward to when things return to a state resembling normality.
With that in mind, let’s look at some of the activities we’re missing most while on lockdown and that we’ll enjoy all the more when we’re able to do them again…
Outdoor family adventures
Fortunately, even in the places where lockdown measures are at their most draconian, it’s possible to go out to get fresh air and exercise. Still, those of us who treasure the great outdoors might well long for an opportunity to white water raft with their families at New and Gauley River Adventures. Or fly fish from the bank of a calm river. Or go on a camping trip to one of our great national parks. While many of our national parks remain open for exercise, facilities are virtually all closed and camping overnight is prohibited. Why not start planning your next outdoor adventure now so you can all look forward to it as a family?
Your favorite restaurants
Thank heaven for services like Grub Hub and Postmates. Thanks to them, you can still enjoy your favorite fare from local restaurants delivered to your door. Still… let’s be honest… it’s not really the same, is it? The food is just one thread in the rich tapestry that makes your favorite restaurants great. You go for the service, the ambiance and the sense of occasion. While it’s great to support the business owners trying to stay afloat near you, be sure to show them, even more, love when the lockdown is lifted.
A night at the movies
For many of us, it’s the little things we miss the most, like a night at the movies. Sure, in the streaming age, we’re lucky to have access to vast libraries of content including more movies and TV shows than we can shake a remote at. Still, there’s nothing like the combination of tempting theatre treats, the huge screen, the immersive sound and the shared experience that come with watching theatrically. Streaming may be top dog right now, but we can all rest assured that the theatrical experience will never die.
Shopping with friends
Finally, online shopping is fun and all. But nothing beats the experience of hitting the high street with friends for a spot of retail therapy. Small local retailers and boutiques will need your support more than ever when they reopen their doors. Moreover, shopping locally is better for the economy!
What activities are you looking forward to the most when the lockdown is lifted?
*featured image credits: pexels.com