There are many things to do in the summer at home. And, in the middle of a pandemic, this notion is especially worth revisiting. After being stuck at home over the last few months, for most of us, it’s easy to forget sometimes that we don’t necessarily have to go out to have fun. There are a host of things you can do to rest, relax, and take advantage of free time without the need to go outside. It looks like most of us will be spending our summer at home, and with a bit of creativity, it can be a restful experience that doesn’t feel so disconnected. Right now, with COVID-19 anxieties and prior months of sheltering in place, for many, the upcoming summer represents tension and the inviability of vacation plans because of the Coronavirus pandemic. This in turn, causes frustration and serves to sabotage the enjoyment of a time that with a little creativity and innovation can be fun, relaxing, and restorative. Being confined doesn’t have to equate to boredom. But if you need inspiration, we've made a list of many activities that can be done, from acquiring new hobbies to finally undertaking tasks that you’ve been putting off for a while.
Twelve Things To Do In The Summer At Home
Summer doesn’t have to mean traveling. Sure, packing up the family and going to a different place, like a cookout in the mountains, fishing in the river or camping at the lake is very comforting. But it is not essential for an enjoyable season, especially when traveling could result in the risk of exposure to Covid-19. So presented here are a few ideas to make the most of the summer at home. Take note and you will see that in your very own house there are are world of ways to have fun, relax and rest. There are also habits and practices you can employ to augment the enjoyment of activities while having to shelter in place.
1. Sleep, but don’t hypersleep
It is very good to get rest, but too much sleep can be a downer. Hypersleeping makes the days seem much shorter. As a consequence, an enjoyable summer at home will seem over very quickly. Combat hypersleep by trying to find fun activities that motivate you to get up and make the most of each day, such as making crafts, drawing, catching up on your favorite television series, or simply taking a walk.
2. Give yourself up to DIY
DIY isn’t something only for the very crafty or handymen. In this day of online tutorials, anyone can learn to caulk up a leaky shower door, or hang a painting. For everything, there is a tutorial on YouTube. And since the summer is going to be a shelter in place season, you have time now to make those little fixes around the house. With a little patience, kids can get involved and have fun learning, as well. Don't be afraid to try out jobs that may seem ominous or difficult. Sure, some things like electrical work or plumbing should be left to professionals, but something like fixing a loose doorknob or painting a room can be really fulfilling. So, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.
3. Prepare favorite recipes
Even if you don't like cooking it can be the ideal time to practice since you won't be pressed for a schedule. You can prepare something easy, fast, and delicious. To do this, check out recipes for healthy and simple desserts. An excellent idea to entertain the little ones in summer is to make ice creams!
4. Relax with long baths
Spend summertime at home taking care of yourself in a calm and relaxed space. In the middle of so much anxiety about the pandemic, we have all earned it. When you’re not rushed for time, you can do things like leaving a cleansing facial moisturizer on your hair for the recommended time instead of rushing the whole process due to being busy. Further, you can pay special attention to things like really moisturizing your skin, trying something new with a beard or mustache, and styling your hair in a way you’ve always wanted to try.
If you have a bathtub, give yourself the pleasure of immersing yourself in the hot water with some lavender bath salts, the elixir of relaxation. There’s no rush, and you can settle in with your favorite drink and a good book.
5. Decorate your garden
For many, decorating the garden is a relaxing activity. Take advantage of these days to work in your garden. Planting, designing, and growing foods or flowers gives a sense of accomplishment, and it’s an activity the whole family can do. There are a variety of jobs involved in gardening and even small children or seniors can join in the fun. Getting out and getting your hands into the soil is one of the best things to do in the summer at home!
6. Set up a home gym
So, for New Year’s you signed up for the gym, worked out twice, and then stopped going for lack of time. And now that you have time you can't go because we have to stay home. Maybe not. Again, in the Digital Age, many apps offer guides and motivations to help with exercising at home. If you don’t want to overload your phone memory there’s always YouTube. You’ll find that there are countless ways to exercise all demonstrated by different people with differing levels of fitness, who guide you and teach you to exercise correctly. If you are not someone who is used to doing a lot of exercises, don't worry, because there are many tutorials with different times of exercising and different levels. At the end of the quarantine, you’ll actually be more fit than you were going in.
7. Do some cleaning
For many, cleaning seems a drag. However, every house needs deep cleaning from time to time. Summer at home is a perfect time for it, and the more members of the family involved, the quicker it goes and the more inclusive it becomes. What’s more, a clean house just makes everyone’s mood better, and tidying up with the family keeps everyone from feeling isolated.
8. Enjoy reading
Summer at home is the perfect time to get to that book you’ve been meaning to read. Find your favorite seat, make yourself a delicious coffee, and sit down to enjoy reading. Reading is a very good habit that a vacation at home allows you to cultivate, and one that will continue to enrich your life after things return to normal.
9. Start writing a book
Time, isolation, and solitude can actually be optimal conditions when beginning the writing process. We suggest that you enter into the jungle of narrative and with the course offered by Stephen King. “Writing: Memoirs of a Trade,” is a splendid essay on the routine and philosophy of writing. His offerings are not exactly a creative writing course, but rather literary coaching based on common sense, and if anyone is qualified to advise on the writing process, Stephen King fits the bill.
10. Catch up on your favorite series or movies
This isn’t suggesting that you spend all day in front of the television since alternating activities is essential to alleviate boredom and monotony. However, spending a day on the sofa every now and then isn’t a bad thing, and this summer you can take time to enjoy your favorite shows. Summer vacation means resting, and if watching a good movie relaxes you, go ahead!
11. Learn to play an instrument
No one is saying you have to have the talent of Jimi Hendrix to play music. In reality, playing your favorite songs may be easier than you think. There are again, tons of apps and websites dedicated to new learners in the world of music. For example, “Fender Play,” is an application for those who want to get started or improve in the art of playing stringed instruments such as guitar, ukulele, banjo, lead, or bass. Another option are tab apps. The unique quality of these apps are that you will start from the beginning with songs. Music can give you hours of enjoyment, and making your own music just amplifies the experience of sound.
12. Your grandmother isn’t the only person in your life who can learn to sew
We are not talking about sewing a button or the hemming pants, but rather more along the lines of textile crafts. If you want to excel in the art of modern crochet, check out a series of books from Molla Mills. Also check out the We Are Knitters page. Here, there are sewing supplies and kits, plus tools like a dictionary and free patterns. And do not worry if you have never touched a needle, they also have video tutorials that even the most uncrafty of us can create beautiful art using sewing skills.
Bottom Line
We hope that these tips for things to do in the summer at home can help you make the most of your time and enhance a summer of sheltering in place. Staying at home doesn’t have to be an exercise in monotony or boredom. Stop, take a breath, look around you and you will see that with a little out-of-the-box thinking, you won’t feel like you’re stuck in a proverbial “box.”
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