Three Lockdown Activity Swaps to Save Your Summer

Life during lockdown feels quiet and slow. To some, that is an absolute nightmare. But to others, the introverts, the fans of country living, the ones who’d rather watch the rain than Netflix. Those are the ones who are making the most of our time in isolation.

As graduations commence, as the mercury rises, our minds turn to thoughts of summer. Normally, we’d be booking flights and thinking about exactly how to Tetris-style smush our luggage in the trunk of the car. Beaches, fairs, shopping. They are all a memory now. As it is becoming more obvious that we’ll continue to social distance into the summer, unwinding is going to have to look a little different this year.

So how can we embrace our “new normal?” We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to capture that glow without endangering others.

HYGGE

Hygge is an idea that comes from Scandanavia which models cozy, slow, warm living. In the winter you think of stews that take hours, even days to simmer to perfection. Watching a storm, cocooned in a wool blanket by the crackling embers. Warm cinnamon drinks in your hand and lovely, easy conversation. It may not surprise you to know the Danes rank at the top of the list when it comes to happiness. The intentional, slow, relationship-focus way of life is the likely x-factor.

Well, of course, the Danes experience summer, too. And the idea of hygge doesn’t disappear with the snow. You can bring that philosophy into the summer, too. Think of moments you can intentionally turn off all your devices, be in nature, and talk over video chat with good friends without an agenda.

GO RETRO

Drive-in theatres are making a comeback. In a time when we can’t sit shoulder to shoulder in a theatre, drive-ins are making it possible to still get out of the house while keeping safety in mind.

Bring blankets, snacks, and some good ol’ bug spray. Enjoy the show!

BERRY PICKING

Berry picking, apple picking, or flower picking, the concept is the same. This is an activity where you get to spend dedicated time with others you love while keeping your distance. This is a great activity for those of us really feeling the pinch of missing our friends and family.

Drive to the location separately, maintain a distance (but not so far you can’t hear one another), and have fun.

Picking fruits gives you an opportunity to have another activity later: canning! While it is very hygge to invite people over to do this together, perhaps a quarantine twist is to divide up the bounty and video chat with each other while you chop and sugar and boil

However you spend your summer, remember to include others. We’re all in this together.